Definition

The process of inserting a thin tube into a vein or body cavity to deliver or remove fluids.

Example

The doctor performed a cannulation to administer the medication directly into the patient's bloodstream.

Conversation

I heard you had a procedure done last week, how did it go?

It went well, they had to do a cannulation to get started.

Oh wow, was that uncomfortable?

Not really, it was quick and the doctors were really good at it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cannulation is formed from "canna" (from Latin, meaning reed or tube) and "-ation" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating an action or process). The word refers to the process of inserting a tube into a vessel or cavity, similar to how a reed or tube is used.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'reed' ('canna') being used as a 'tube' for a specific 'process' ('-ation') — that's how cannulation involves inserting a tube into a body part.

Visually Confused Words