Definition

A medical procedure that involves puncturing a body cavity or organ to remove fluid or tissue for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Example

The doctor performed a centesis to collect a sample of the fluid for testing.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a centesis?

Yeah, I think it's a medical procedure, right?

Exactly! It's used to puncture for fluid removal.

That sounds pretty intense; I hope I never need one!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Centesis is formed from "kentesis" (from Greek "κέντησις", meaning to puncture or pierce) and the suffix "-sis" (meaning a process or action). The word refers to the process of puncturing or piercing, often used in a medical context to describe procedures like amniocentesis.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for 'puncture' or 'pierce' — that's what centesis refers to, a process involving puncturing.

Visually Confused Words