lithotripsy

[ lith-uh-trip-see ]
/ ˈlɪθ əˌtrɪp si /

noun, plural lith·o·trip·sies.

the pulverization and removal of urinary calculi using a lithotripter.
Also called shock wave therapy.

Origin of lithotripsy

1825–35; litho- + Greek trîps(is) rubbing, wear + -y3; see lithotripter

Words nearby lithotripsy

lithosphere, lithostatic, lithostratigraphy, lithotomy, lithotomy position, lithotripsy, lithotripter, lithotriptic, lithotriptoscopy, lithotrite, lithotrity

British Dictionary definitions for lithotripsy

lithotripsy
/ (ˈlɪθəʊˌtrɪpsɪ) /

noun

the use of ultrasound, often generated by a lithotripter, to pulverize kidney stones and gallstones in situ

Word Origin for lithotripsy

C20: from litho- + Greek thruptein to crush

Medical definitions for lithotripsy

lithotripsy
[ lĭth′ə-trĭp′sē ]

n.

The procedure of crushing a stone in the urinary bladder or urethra. lithotrity

Scientific definitions for lithotripsy

lithotripsy
[ lĭth′ə-trĭp′sē ]

The procedure of crushing a stone in the urinary bladder or urethra by means of a lithotriptor, a device that passes shock waves through a water-filled tub in which the patient sits. The resulting stone fragments are small enough to be expelled in the urine.