Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Paracentesis \Par`a*cen*te"sis\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to
   pierce at the side, to tap.] (Med.)
   The perforation of a cavity of the body with a trocar,
   aspirator, or other suitable instrument, for the evacuation
   of effused fluid, pus, or gas; tapping.

Source : WordNet®

paracentesis
     n : centesis of the belly to remove fluid for diagnosis [syn: {abdominocentesis}]