probang

[ proh-bang ]

noun

, Surgery.

1. a long, slender, elastic rod with a sponge, ball, or the like, at the end, to be introduced into the esophagus or larynx, as for removing foreign bodies, or for introducing medication.

probang

/ ˈprəʊbæŋ /

noun

1. surgery a long flexible rod, often with a small sponge at one end, for inserting into the oesophagus, as to apply medication

Word History and Origins

Origin of probang¹

1650–60; alteration (by association with probe ) of provang, unexplained coinage of the inventor

Word History and Origins

Origin of probang¹

C17: variant, apparently by association with probe , of provang, name coined by W. Rumsey (1584–1660), Welsh judge, its inventor; of unknown origin

Example Sentences

A flexible probang, or in default of it, a rattan, or grape-vine, with a knot on the end, may be gently forced down the gullet, and the gas thus permitted to escape.

From Project Gutenberg

If not, it may usually be forced down with the flexible probang, described in “Cattle and their Diseases,” or a flexible rod, the head of which is guarded by a knot, or a little bag of flax-seed.

From Project Gutenberg

Formerly it was necessary, in making applications to the fauces, to employ the brush or probang for those too young to use the gargle, but hand-atomizers, as Richardson's or Delano's, which are now in common use, afford a quick and easy method for making such applications.

From Project Gutenberg

Probang, prō′bang, n. an instrument for pushing obstructions down the œsophagus of a choking animal.

From Project Gutenberg

The probang should be a tube of thick but elastic leather, and it may be passed into the mouth, through an aperture in a block, placed on edge between the teeth, which is easily done while a person holds the head of the animal firmly.

From Project Gutenberg