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Vinony

amniocentesis

noun

  1. medical procedure used primarily in prenatal diagnoses of chromosomal abnormalities and fetal infections
L316245 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˌam.nɪ.ə(ʊ).sɛnˈtiːs.ɪs/

noun

Etymology: By surface analysis, amnio- + -centesis.

  1. A procedure for obtaining amniotic fluid from a pregnant animal, by inserting a hollow needle through the abdominal wall and into the amniotic sac. Used in diagnosing possible genetic defects and/or obstetric complications, or simply to drain excess amniotic fluid.

    “In most countries amniocentesis is now offered to – perhaps even imposed on – all older mothers, to check whether the foetus carries an extra chromosome.”