catheterization
|cath-e-ter-i-za-tion|
/ˌkæθətəraɪˈzeɪʃən/
insertion of a tube
Etymology
'catheterization' originates from Modern English, specifically the word 'catheter' combined with the suffix '-ization' (from French/Latin '-isation'), where 'catheter' meant 'a tube inserted into the body' and the suffix '-ization' meant 'the process or action of'.
'catheter' comes from Greek 'kathetēr' (καθέτηρ) meaning 'something thrust in, a probe', which passed into Late Latin and then into French as 'cathéter' before becoming English 'catheter'; the modern English 'catheterization' was formed by adding the productive suffix '-ization'.
Initially, the root referred to the instrument 'catheter' (a probe or tube); over time the compound 'catheterization' came to mean specifically 'the process of inserting such a tube', a usage that has remained stable in medical contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process of inserting a catheter (a thin tube) into a body cavity, duct, or vessel, especially for drainage, delivery of fluids, or diagnostic purposes.
The patient required catheterization to relieve urinary retention.
Synonyms
Noun 2
specifically, the insertion of a urinary catheter into the bladder to drain urine or monitor output.
Intermittent catheterization is often used for patients with neurogenic bladder.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/30 06:42