thoracentesis

[ thawr-uh-sen-tee-sis, thohr- ]

noun,plural tho·ra·cen·te·ses [thawr-uh-sen-tee-seez, thohr-]. /ˌθɔr ə sɛnˈti siz, ˌθoʊr-/.
  1. insertion of a hollow needle or similar instrument into the pleural cavity of the chest in order to drain pleural fluid.

Origin of thoracentesis

1
First recorded in 1855–60; thora(c)- + centesis

Words Nearby thoracentesis

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British Dictionary definitions for thoracentesis

thoracentesis

thoracocentesis (ˌθɔːrəkəʊsɛnˈtiːsɪs)

/ (ˌθɔːrəsɛnˈtiːsɪs) /


noun
  1. med the surgical puncture of the pleural cavity using a hollow needle, in order to withdraw fluid, drain blood, etc: Also called: pleurocentesis

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