amniocentesis

 
Pronunciation: /ˌamnɪəʊsɛnˈtiːsɪs/

noun (plural amniocenteses /-siːz/)

  • a process in which amniotic fluid is sampled using a hollow needle inserted into the uterus, to screen for abnormalities in the developing fetus.

Origin:

1950s: from amnion + Greek kentēsis 'pricking' (from kentein 'to prick')