amniocentesis

[ am-nee-oh-sen-tee-sis ]

noun

, plural am·ni·o·cen·te·ses [am-nee-oh-sen-, tee, -seez].

1. a surgical procedure for obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac in the uterus of a pregnant woman by inserting a hollow needle through the abdominal wall, used in diagnosing certain genetic defects or possible obstetric complications.

amniocentesis

/ ˌæmnɪəʊsɛnˈtiːsɪs /

noun

1. removal of some amniotic fluid by the insertion into the womb of a hollow needle, for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes

amniocentesis

/ ăm′nē-ō-sĕn-tē′sĭs /

1. A procedure usually done about the sixteenth week of pregnancy in which a small sample of amniotic fluid is drawn out of the uterus through a needle inserted in the abdomen. The fluid is analyzed to determine the gender of the fetus or the presence of genetic abnormalities.

amniocentesis

1. A procedure for finding certain disorders in a fetus during pregnancy. In amniocentesis, a small amount of the salty liquid that surrounds the fetus in the amniotic sac is drawn out through a needle inserted into the mother's abdomen . The fluid generally contains some isolated cells from the fetus. These cells are analyzed to detect abnormalities in the chromosomes of the fetus, such as Down's syndrome , and may also be used to judge some other conditions, such as the maturity of the fetus's lungs .

Word History and Origins

Origin of amniocentesis¹

1955–60; amnio- (as combining form of amnion ) + centesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of amniocentesis¹

C20: from amnion + centesis, from Greek kentēsis a puncture, from kentein to prick

Example Sentences

Results from the amniocentesis – which was done to look for the cause of the problem – came back the day after her abortion, and other results after that.

From Seattle Times

In addition to amniocentesis, which removes and tests a small sample of cells from amniotic fluid, these also include CVS, or chorionic villus sampling, which tests a small piece of tissue from the placenta.

From Seattle Times

This restriction stems from the fact that the analysis currently necessitates either chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, both procedures associated with discomfort and a slight risk of miscarriage.

From Science Daily

The arguments were held on the same day that Cox received results of an amniocentesis that confirmed prior tests about her pregnancy.

From Seattle Times

Exome screening currently requires genetic testing with an invasive medical procedure such as amniocentesis that involves significant cost and carries some inherent risks to the mother and fetus.

From Science Daily