catheter Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a thin flexible tube inserted into the body to permit introduction or withdrawal of fluids or to keep the passageway open

L., fr. Gr. a thing let down or put in, catheter, fr. to send down, to let down; + to send.

(Med.) The name of various instruments for passing along mucous canals, esp. applied to a tubular instrument to be introduced into the bladder through the urethra to draw off the urine.