Definition

A machine used to break up kidney stones and gallstones into smaller pieces using shock waves, allowing them to be passed more easily from the body.

Example

The doctor recommended using a lithotripter to treat the patient's kidney stones.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new lithotripter they installed at the hospital?

Yeah, I read that it helps break down kidney stones without surgery.

Exactly! It seems like a much easier option for patients.

I hope it works well; that would be a game changer for so many people.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lithotripter → It is formed from "litho-" (from Greek "lithos", meaning stone) and "tripter" (from Greek "triptō", meaning to crush or break). The word describes a device that crushes stones, particularly in the medical context of breaking kidney stones.

Memory Tip

Think of 'stone' ('lithos') being 'crushed' ('triptō') — that's why a lithotripter is a device that crushes stones.

Visually Confused Words