stylet

[ stahy-lit ]

noun

1. a stiletto or dagger.
2. any similar sharp-pointed instrument.
3. 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.

stylet

/ ˈstaɪlɪt /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stylet¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stylet¹

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

Example Sentences

Similar to a hypodermic needle, a nematode uses its stylet to pierce cells and pull out food -- in this case from the pseudoscorpion's hypodermis, part of the outer covering known as the integument.

From Science Daily

They have a sharp mouth part, called a “stylet”, which can poke through the skin of fruits and vegetables.

From NewsForKids.net

Without the larger reimbursement from installing the pink stylet, doctors would take a wash when purchasing the devices to begin with, making the set harder to sell.

From Washington Times

The stylet is akin to a tiny syringe evolved to penetrate skin and suck up blood from beneath.

From Washington Post

He couldn’t find a stylet, a wire that goes down the center of the tube.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• bayonet
• blade
• sword