sheath

Pronunciation: shēth

Definition:

1. Any enveloping structure, such as the membranous covering of a muscle, nerve, or blood vessel. Any sheathlike structure.
2. The prepuce of male animals, especially of the horse.
3. A specially designed tubular instrument through which special obturators or cutting instruments can be passed, or through which blood clots, tissue fragments, and calculi can be evacuated.
4. A tube used as an orthodontic appliance, usually on molars.

Synonym(s): vagina1

[A.S. scaeth]

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