catéter
/kaˈteteɾ/masculine
The English word 'catheter' is translated into Spanish as catéter.
The term refers to a small tube inserted into a body cavity.
Meaning: small tube inserted into a body cavity (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, both catéter and sonda are commonly used to refer to a catheter.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of catéter is los catéteres.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈteteɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget the accent mark on the second 'e' in catéter, which is essential for the correct pronunciation and spelling in Spanish.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word sonda describes not only a medical tube but also a 'sounding line' used by sailors to measure the depth of the ocean.
- The verb sondar can shift meaning entirely from the clinical act of inserting a tube to the figurative act of probing a person's motives.
- The Greek root of catéter is linked to the verb 'to descend' or 'to go down', referring to the tube's path into the body.
Examples in context
- El médico insertó un catéter en el paciente para facilitar el flujo de orina.The doctor inserted a catheter into the patient to facilitate the flow of urine.
- El médico colocó el catéter.The doctor placed the catheter.
- Necesitamos un catéter nuevo.We need a new catheter.
- El catéter es muy delgado.The catheter is very thin.
Example conversation
A nurse is preparing equipment for a patient in a hospital.
- JavierMaría, ¿tienes el catéter?María, do you have the catheter?
- MaríaSí, Javier, lo tengo aquí.Yes, Javier, I have it here.
- JavierPerfecto, prepáralo para el paciente.Perfect, prepare it for the patient.
- MaríaLo haré de inmediato.I will do it immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “catheter” translations and entries catéter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries catéter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
