stylet

[ stahy-lit ]
/ ˈstaɪ lɪt /

noun

a stiletto or dagger.
any similar sharp-pointed instrument.
Medicine/Medical.
  1. a probe.
  2. a wire run through the length of a catheter, cannula, or needle to make it rigid or to clear it.

Origin of stylet

1690–1700; < French < Middle French stilet < Italian stiletto stiletto; -y- < Latin stylus. See style, stylus

Example sentences from the Web for stylet

British Dictionary definitions for stylet

stylet
/ (ˈstaɪlɪt) /

noun

surgery
  1. a wire for insertion into a flexible cannula or catheter to maintain its rigidity or patency during passage
  2. a slender probe
zoology any small pointed bristle-like part

Word Origin for stylet

C17: from French stilet, from Old Italian stiletto; influenced in spelling by Latin stylus style

Medical definitions for stylet

stylet
[ stī-lĕt, stīlĭt ]

n.

A fine wire that is run through a catheter, cannula, or hollow needle to keep it stiff or clear of debris.
A slender surgical probe. stylus