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amniocentesis

(am′nē ō′sen tē′sis)

noun

the surgical procedure of inserting a hollow needle through the abdominal wall into the uterus of a pregnant woman and extracting amniotic fluid, which may be analyzed to determine the sex of the developing fetus or the presence of disease, genetic defects, etc.

Origin: ModL < amnion + Gr kentēsis, a pricking

See amniocentesis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. am·ni·o·cen·te·ses (-sēz)

A procedure in which a small sample of amniotic fluid is drawn out of the uterus through a needle inserted in the abdomen. The fluid is then analyzed to detect genetic abnormalities in the fetus or to determine the sex of the fetus.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin amniocentēsis

Origin: : amnion

Origin: + Greek kentēsis, act of pricking (from kentein, to prick; see kent- in Indo-European roots)

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