lithotripsy

CIDE DICTIONARY

lithotripsy, n. [Litho- + Gr. tri`bein to rub, grind: cf. F. lithotripsie.].

 The operation of crushing a stone in the bladder or urethra to reduce it to particles small enough to be voided; lithotrity. It may be performed with an instrument called lithotriptor or lithotrite (also called a lithoclast); or, more recently, may be accomplished by devices using ultrasonic waves to fragment the stones.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

lithotripsy, n. (pl. -ies) a treatment using ultrasound to shatter a stone in the bladder into small particles that can be passed through the urethra.

Derivative

lithotripter n. lithotriptic adj.

Etymology

LITHO- + Gk tripsis rubbing f. tribo rub