thoracentesis

[ thawr-uh-sen-tee-sis, thohr- ]
/ ˌθɔr ə sɛnˈti sɪs, ˌθoʊr- /

noun, plural tho·ra·cen·te·ses [thawr-uh-sen-tee-seez, thohr-] /ˌθɔr ə sɛnˈti siz, ˌθoʊr-/.

insertion of a hollow needle or similar instrument into the pleural cavity of the chest in order to drain pleural fluid.

Origin of thoracentesis

First recorded in 1855–60; thora(c)- + centesis

British Dictionary definitions for thoracentesis

thoracentesis

thoracocentesis (ˌθɔːrəkəʊsɛnˈtiːsɪs)

/ (ˌθɔːrəsɛnˈtiːsɪs) /

noun

med the surgical puncture of the pleural cavity using a hollow needle, in order to withdraw fluid, drain blood, etc Also called: pleurocentesis

Medical definitions for thoracentesis

thoracentesis
[ thôr′ə-sĕn-tēsĭs ]

n.

Paracentesis of the pleural cavity. pleurocentesis thoracocentesis