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catheter

(kat̸h′ət ər)

noun

a slender, hollow tube, as of metal or rubber, inserted into a body passage, vessel, or cavity for passing fluids, making examinations, etc., esp. one for draining urine from the bladder

Origin: LL < Gr kathetēr < kathienai, to let down, thrust in < kata-, down + hienai, to send: see jet

See catheter in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A hollow flexible tube for insertion into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow the passage of fluids or distend a passageway. Its uses include the drainage of urine from the bladder through the urethra or insertion through a blood vessel into the heart for diagnostic purposes.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin

Origin: , from Greek kathetēr

Origin: , from kathīenai, kathe-, to send down

Origin: : kat-, kata-, cata-

Origin: + hīenai, to send; see yē- in Indo-European roots

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