amniocentesis

/ˌˈæmnioʊˈsɛnˌtisɪs/

/æmniəʊsɛnˈtisɪs/

Definitions of amniocentesis

1. noun

   (pregnancy) extraction by centesis of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman (after the 15th week of pregnancy) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities
   synonyms: amnio

   type of:

   prenatal diagnosis

   any of the diagnostic procedures used to determine whether a fetus has a genetic abnormality

   centesis

   (surgery) the act of puncturing a body cavity or organ with a hollow needle in order to draw out fluid