amniocentesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/ProfessionalFormal, Medical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “amniocentesis” mean?
A medical procedure during pregnancy in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted from the uterus for testing, typically to check for genetic or developmental abnormalities in the foetus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical procedure during pregnancy in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted from the uterus for testing, typically to check for genetic or developmental abnormalities in the foetus.
The term can also be used metonymically to refer to the diagnostic information or results obtained from the procedure itself, or to the broader context of prenatal genetic testing and decision-making.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical clinical connotations. In both cultures, it is associated with serious prenatal testing, advanced maternal age, and potential ethical decisions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard within medical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “amniocentesis” in a Sentence
The doctor performed amniocentesis on the patient.She decided to have amniocentesis.Amniocentesis revealed a chromosomal abnormality.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amniocentesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The consultant advised that she be amniocentised to rule out trisomy. (Note: 'amniocentise' is extremely rare and non-standard; the procedural noun is used instead.)
American English
- The OB-GYN recommended amniocentesis; the procedure was amniocentized last week. (Note: 'amniocentize' is non-standard; the noun is used.)
adverb
British English
- Not applicable; no standard adverbial form.
American English
- Not applicable; no standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The amniocentesis results were anxiously awaited.
- She was in the amniocentesis clinic.
American English
- The amniocentesis report came back clear.
- They discussed the amniocentesis procedure in detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in insurance, healthcare policy, or biotech contexts.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, genetic, and bioethics literature.
Everyday
Rare. Used only when discussing specific prenatal testing options, often with medical professionals.
Technical
Core term in obstetrics, gynaecology, genetics, and prenatal care.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amniocentesis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amniocentesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amniocentesis”
- Misspelling: 'amnioscentesis', 'amniocentesus'. Mispronunciation: stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., /ˌæm.niˈɒ.sən.ti.sɪs/). Using it to refer to any pregnancy-related test.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is considered a safe procedure but carries a small risk of complications, such as miscarriage or infection, which is why it is not offered as a routine test to all pregnant women.
It is typically performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, when there is enough amniotic fluid to sample safely.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) tests placental tissue and can be done earlier (10-13 weeks), while amniocentesis tests amniotic fluid and is done slightly later. They test for similar conditions but have different risk profiles.
Yes, as the test analyses the foetal chromosomes, it can determine the biological sex (XX or XY), but this is not its primary medical purpose.
A medical procedure during pregnancy in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted from the uterus for testing, typically to check for genetic or developmental abnormalities in the foetus.
Amniocentesis is usually formal, medical/technical in register.
Amniocentesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæm.ni.əʊ.senˈtiː.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæm.ni.oʊ.senˈtiː.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. Too technical for idiomatic use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AMNIO' (like the amniotic sac) + 'CENTESIS' (a surgical puncture to remove fluid). So, a puncture of the amnion to get fluid.
Conceptual Metaphor
WINDOW INTO THE WOMB (a procedure that allows doctors to 'see' the genetic health of the foetus).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of an amniocentesis?