Definition

Noun: 1. A medical procedure: A short, informal term for amniocentesis. It refers to the extraction of a small amount of amniotic fluid from the uterus of a pregnant woman, typically after the 15th week of pregnancy, for diagnostic testing.

Usage

The word 'amnio' is primarily used in informal medical contexts, often between healthcare providers and patients, as a shorthand for the longer, more technical term "amniocentesis."

Examples

• The doctor recommended an amnio to check for chromosomal conditions.
• She was anxious while waiting for her amnio results.
• "Have you scheduled your amnio yet?" the nurse asked.

Advanced Usage

• "to have/get an amnio": This is the most common construction, describing the action of undergoing the procedure.
  • Many women over 35 choose to have an amnio.

Variants and Related Words

• Amniocentesis (n): The full, formal term for the diagnostic procedure.
• Amniotic fluid (n): The protective liquid contained within the amniotic sac, which is sampled during the procedure.
• Amniotic (adj): Relating to the amnion (the innermost membrane enclosing an embryo) or amniotic fluid.

Synonyms

• Amniocentesis (This is the formal synonym, not a different word).

Notes on Meaning

The word 'amnio' has only one specific meaning: it is a colloquial abbreviation for "amniocentesis." It is not used to refer to the fluid itself or any other related concept. Its usage is almost exclusively tied to the context of prenatal testing and diagnosis.

Noun

1. (pregnancy) extraction by centesis of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman (after the 15th week of pregnancy) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities