How to pronounce catheter
Say it like KATH-uh-ter. Catheter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KATH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce catheter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KATH
- uh
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Catheter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KATHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of catheter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KATH-ih-tuh.
What does catheter mean?
- A small tube inserted into a body cavity to administer a drug, create an opening, distend a passageway, or remove fluid.
Questions about saying catheter
How do you pronounce catheter?
Say KATH-uh-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈkæθətɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkæθɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in catheter?
Catheter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KATH). Broken into parts: KATH · uh · ter.
Is catheter pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkæθɪtə/ (KATH-ih-tuh).