amniocentesis
nounUK /ˌam.nɪ.ə(ʊ).sɛnˈtiːs.ɪs/
Etymology By surface analysis, amnio- + -centesis.
1
Medicine, Sciences 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.1999, Matt Ridley, Genome, Harper Perennial, published 2004, page 287: