Amniocentesis
(noun)
A medical procedure in which a small sample of the fluid surrounding the fetus in the uterus is removed for analysis.
Origin:
20th century, from latin amnion (membrane) + greek kentesis (puncture).
Examples:
- The amniocentesis was performed to determine if the fetus had any genetic disorders.
- Amniocentesis is typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy.
- The amniocentesis was done to check the baby's lung maturity.
- The results of the amniocentesis were positive for Down Syndrome.
- Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure that can detect chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.