a test for detecting genetic abnormalities, determining sex, etc. in a fetus: tissue samples of chorionic villi are removed from the uterus
See chorionic villus sampling in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun Abbr. CVS
A prenatal test to detect birth defects that is performed at an early stage of pregnancy and involves retrieval and examination of tissue from the chorionic villi. Also called chorionic villus biopsy.