amniocenteses

Noun

amniocentesis (plural amniocenteses)

1. 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