chorionic villus sampling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowMedical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “chorionic villus sampling” mean?
A prenatal test where a small sample of tissue from the placenta is removed to detect genetic abnormalities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A prenatal test where a small sample of tissue from the placenta is removed to detect genetic abnormalities.
An invasive diagnostic procedure typically performed between 10-13 weeks of pregnancy to obtain chorionic villi for chromosomal, genetic, or biochemical analysis of the developing fetus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; medical terminology is standardized internationally.
Connotations
Same medical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US medical contexts; known primarily to healthcare professionals and expectant parents considering prenatal testing.
Grammar
How to Use “chorionic villus sampling” in a Sentence
undergo [chorionic villus sampling]perform [chorionic villus sampling] on [patient]recommend [chorionic villus sampling] for [condition]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chorionic villus sampling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The consultant will perform the chorionic villus sampling tomorrow.
- They decided to have the chorionic villus sampling done privately.
American English
- The doctor scheduled the chorionic villus sampling for next Tuesday.
- She underwent chorionic villus sampling at eleven weeks.
adverb
British English
- The tissue was obtained chorionic villus samplingly (extremely rare/unnatural use).
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The chorionic villus sampling results were reassuring.
- They discussed the chorionic villus sampling procedure in detail.
American English
- The chorionic villus sampling test came back normal.
- They reviewed the chorionic villus sampling risks with a genetic counselor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical textbooks, genetics papers, and obstetrics research.
Everyday
Used primarily in discussions between healthcare providers and expectant parents about prenatal testing options.
Technical
Standard term in obstetrics, gynecology, and clinical genetics for a specific diagnostic procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chorionic villus sampling”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chorionic villus sampling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chorionic villus sampling”
- Misspelling 'villus' as 'villus' (double 'l') or 'villous'.
- Confusing CVS with amniocentesis.
- Using the term outside of a medical/prenatal context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
A small risk of miscarriage, estimated at around 0.5-1%.
CVS tests placental tissue and is done earlier (first trimester). Amniocentesis tests amniotic fluid and is done later (second trimester).
Yes, for the conditions tested, it provides a definitive diagnostic result, unlike some screening tests which only indicate probability.
A prenatal test where a small sample of tissue from the placenta is removed to detect genetic abnormalities.
Chorionic villus sampling is usually medical/technical in register.
Chorionic villus sampling: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːriˌɒnɪk ˈvɪləs ˈsɑːmplɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːriˌɑːnɪk ˈvɪləs ˈsæmplɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is strictly medical and does not have idiomatic uses.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CHORIonic (sounds like 'curious') VILLUS (like 'village' of tiny fingers) SAMPLING (taking a sample) – a curious sampling of tiny finger-like projections.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICAL PROCEDURE AS INFORMATION GATHERING (sampling as extracting diagnostic data).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of chorionic villus sampling (CVS)?