Lithotripsy

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