-centesis

Origin

From Ancient Greek κέντησις ("the act of pricking"), from κεντέω ("I prick").

Full definition of -centesis

Suffix

1. (medical) Puncture and aspiration ofThe doctor performed a pericardiocentesis to remove the excess fluid from around the patient’s heart.

Derived terms

• amniocentesis
• pericardiocentesis
• thoracocentesis