Med. [a. L. cathetēr, a. Gr. καθετήρ anything let down into, a catheter, f. καθιέναι to send or let down.] A long tubular instrument, of metal or caoutchouc, more or less curved at the end, for passing into the bladder in order to draw off urine, etc.; a similar tube for use with other canals (e.g., the Eustachian catheter).
1601. J. Manningham, Diary, Feb. (1868), 23. A crooked instrument concaued at the one ende called a catheter.
1684. R. Johnson, Enchirid. Med., III. xxiv. 275. Draw away the Urine with a Catheter.
1844. Dufton, Deafness, 43. Warm water … may be injected, by means of a catheter introduced into the Eustachian tube, into the meatus.
1876. Gross, Dis. Bladder, 35.
