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lithotripsy

noun
lith·​o·​trip·​sy | \ ˈli-thə-ˌtrip-sē How to pronounce lithotripsy (audio) \
plural lithotripsies

Definition of lithotripsy

: the breaking (as by shock waves or crushing with a surgical instrument) of a calculus in the urinary system into pieces small enough to be voided or washed out

Examples of lithotripsy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Treatment might involve a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which is when sound waves are used to try to break up the stone. — Korin Miller, SELF, "Simone Biles Went to the ER With a Kidney Stone—and Made It to the World Championships Finals the Next Day," 29 Oct. 2018 Doctors can also use a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves to break the stone into bits that can then pass through your system. — Macaela Mackenzie, Allure, "Kidney Stone Symptoms and Causes That Everyone Needs to Know," 22 Feb. 2018

First Known Use of lithotripsy

1834, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for lithotripsy

lith- + Greek tripsis a rubbing, from tribein to rub — more at throw entry 1

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More Definitions for lithotripsy

lithotripsy

noun
lith·​o·​trip·​sy | \ ˈlith-ə-ˌtrip-sē How to pronounce lithotripsy (audio) \
plural lithotripsies

Medical Definition of lithotripsy

: the breaking of a calculus (as by shock waves or crushing with a surgical instrument) in the urinary system into pieces small enough to be voided or washed out

— called also litholapaxy, lithotrity

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