Word: amniocentesis
Part of speech: Noun
Syllables: am
ni
o
cen
te
sis
Definition: A procedure for obtaining amniotic fluid from a pregnant animal, by inserting a hollow needle through the abdominal wall and into the amniotic sac. Used in diagnosing possible genetic defects and/or obstetric complications.
Morphemes:
Affix: amnion
Language: en
PoS: Noun
Meaning: The innermost membrane of the fetal membranes of reptiles, birds, and mammals; the sac in which the embryo is suspended.
Etymology Compounds: Affix: amnion
Language: la
Decoded: amnion
Meaning: membrane around a fetus
Affix: -centesis
Language: en
PoS: Suffix
Meaning: Puncture and aspiration of
Etymology Compounds: Affix: κέντησις
Language: grc
Decoded: kentesis
Meaning: the act of pricking