noun

catheter

/ˈkæθətər/ · say it: KATH·uh·tur

a thin tube inserted into the body to deliver or drain fluids

In more detail

1. (noun) a thin flexible tube that is inserted into the body to remove or inject fluids, especially into the bladder to drain urine

Examples

The patient needed a catheter after surgery because she was unable to urinate on her own.

How to use catheter

Catheter is a medical term used in clinical, hospital, and healthcare contexts to refer to a specific medical device. It is most commonly used in medical writing, patient education, and professional healthcare communication. The term is neutral and factual, with no negative connotation despite describing an invasive procedure.

Common phrases

insert a catheter
urinary catheter
central catheter
catheter placement
remove a catheter

Synonyms

tube · cannula · drainage tube

Word family

catheterize (verb) · catheterization (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes misspell it as 'cathader' or confuse it with 'cathode' (an electrode), which are completely different words.

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