lithotripter
[ lith-uh-trip-ter ]
/ ˈlɪθ əˌtrɪp tər /
noun
a device used for fragmenting kidney stones with ultrasound waves.
Origin of lithotripter
1815–25; respelling, with
-er1, of
litho(n)triptor instrument for crushing kidney stones, pseudo- L derivative (cf.
captor,
raptor) of
litho(n)triptic, ultimately based on the Greek phrase (
phármaka tôn en nephroîs)
líthōn thryptiká (drugs) breaking up stones (in the kidneys);
trip- by association with Greek
trī́bein to rub, knead, pound (verbal adjective
trīptós)
Words nearby lithotripter
lithostatic,
lithostratigraphy,
lithotomy,
lithotomy position,
lithotripsy,
lithotripter,
lithotriptic,
lithotriptoscopy,
lithotrite,
lithotrity,
lithuania
British Dictionary definitions for lithotripter
lithotripter
/ (ˈlɪθəˌtrɪptə) /
noun
a machine that pulverizes kidney stones by ultrasound as an alternative to their surgical removal
Medical definitions for lithotripter
lithotripter
[ lĭth′ə-trĭp′tər ]
n.
A device that pulverizes kidney stones by passing shock waves through a water-filled tub in which the patient sits. The procedure creates stone fragments small enough to be expelled in the urine.