lithotripsy meaning: definition, etymology

lithotripsy

noun

/ˈlɪθ.əˌtɹɪp.si/

Etymology From litho- (“relating to a stone or calculus”) + Ancient Greek τρῖψῐς (trîpsĭs, “rubbing, friction”) + -y.

Medicine, Sciences, Surgery A treatment, typically using ultrasound shock waves or crushing with a surgical instrument, by which a kidney stone or similar calculus is broken into particles small enough to be voided or washed out.

Derived terms: cholecystolithotripsy, choledocholithotripsy, cholelithotripsy, cystolithotripsy, lithotripter, lithotriptor, lithotriptic, lithotripsic, lithotripsical, lithotriptist, nephrolithotripsy, ureterolithotripsy