Centesis

/senˈtiːsɪs/ noun

Definition

A medical procedure involving surgical puncture of a body cavity or organ to remove fluid, take samples, or inject medication.

Etymology

From Greek 'kentesis' (puncture), derived from 'kentein' (to prick or pierce). Greek-derived medical terminology uses this root for various puncturing procedures.

Kelly Says

Centesis is the Greek root hiding in dozens of medical procedure names—lumbar puncture is technically a 'lumbar centesis,' and doctors combine it with body parts to name their procedures.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.