Definition of Amniocentesis

1. Noun. (pregnancy) extraction by centesis of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman (after the 15th week of pregnancy) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities.

Exact synonyms: Amnio
Generic synonyms: Prenatal Diagnosis, Centesis
Category relationships: Gestation, Maternity, Pregnancy

Definition of Amniocentesis

1. [n -SES]

Medical Definition of Amniocentesis

1. Sampling of the fluid in the amniotic sac. In humans this is carried out, between the 12th and 16th week of pregnancy, by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall into the uterus. By karyotyping the cells and determining the proteins present, it is possible to determine the sex of the foetus and whether it is suffering from certain congenital diseases such as Down's syndrome or spina bifida. (05 Feb 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Amniocentesis

amnestic aphasia
amnestic psychosis
amnestic syndrome
amnestied
amnesties
amnesty
amnestying
amnia
amnic
amnio
amnio-
amniocardiac vesicle
amniocele
amniocenteses
amniocentesis (current term)
amniocentesis (current term)
amniochorial
amniochorionic
amniocyte
amnioembryonic junction
amniogenesis
amniogenic cells
amniography
amnioma
amnion
amnion
amnionic
amnionic
amnionic fluid
amnionitis

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