Surg. Also (incorrectly) canula. [a. L. cannula ‘small reed or pipe,’ dim. of canna (q.v.) reed, pipe.] A tubular instrument introduced into a cavity or tumor in order to allow the escape of fluid.
1684. trans. Bonet’s Merc. Compit., XIV. 484. Let a Cannula be made of a Linnen Rag besmear’d with White Wax.
1754–64. Smellie, Midwif., I. 229. Blowing into the mouth with a silver canula so as to expand the lungs.
1866. Flint, Princ. & Pract. Med. (1880), 148. A canula or hollow needle introduced into the chest.
1876. Foster, Phys., II. iv. (1879), 378. When a ureter is divided … and a cannula inserted.
