Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CATH'E-TER, n. [Gr. καθετηρ, from καθιημι, to thrust in; κατα and ἱημι, to send.]

In surgery, a tubular instrument, usually made of silver, to be introduced into the bladder, to draw off the urine when the natural discharge is suppressed; also, a sound to search for the stone, or a bougie made of silver or elastic gum. – Encyc. Coxe.