PARACENTESIS

Pronunciation:		`parusen'teesis
WordNet Dictionary

	Definition:	[n] centesis of the belly to remove fluid for diagnosis

	Synonyms:	abdominocentesis

	See Also:	centesis

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

	Definition:	\Par`acente"sis\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to pierce at the side, to tap.] (Med.) The perforation of a cavity of the body with a trocar, aspirator, or other suitable instrument, for the evacuation of effused fluid, pus, or gas; tapping.

Medical Dictionary

	Definition:	Insertion of a thin needle or tube into the abdomen to remove fluid from the peritoneal cavity.

Biology Dictionary

	Definition:	Paracentesis is a procedure involving the insertion of a needle into the peritoneum to obtain samples of fluid for clinical analysis.