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noun

catheter

KA-thih-tuh

Catheter (noun) means a thin flexible tube inserted into the body to drain fluid, deliver medicine, or open a passage. Example: “The nurse inserted a catheter to drain his bladder after surgery.”

noun
1
A thin flexible tube inserted into the body to drain fluid, deliver medicine, or open a passage.
"The nurse inserted a catheter to drain his bladder after surgery."

How to use catheter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA medical tube used to carry fluids into or out of the body.

Common pairings
insert a catheter a urinary catheter

Word forms

catheters plural

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The nurse inserted a _____ to drain his bladder after surgery.

Etymology

From Greek katheter, "something let down," originally describing an instrument used to empty the bladder.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for catheter

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Frequently asked questions

What does “catheter” mean?

The word “catheter” means a thin flexible tube inserted into the body to drain fluid, deliver medicine, or open a passage. In plain terms, a medical tube used to carry fluids into or out of the body.

How do you pronounce “catheter”?

“Catheter” is pronounced KA-thih-tuh (/ˈkæθɪtɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “catheter” in a sentence?

Here is “catheter” used in a sentence: “The nurse inserted a catheter to drain his bladder after surgery.”

What part of speech is “catheter”?

“Catheter” is a noun.

Where does the word “catheter” come from?

The word “catheter” comes from Greek. From Greek katheter, "something let down," originally describing an instrument used to empty the bladder.

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