What is "lithotripsy"

Lithotripsy \Lith"o*trip`sy\ (l[i^]th"[-o]*tr[i^]p`s[y^]), n. (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.

1834, from litho- + -tripsy, from Greek tripsis "rubbing," from tribein "to rub, thresh, pound, wear out," from PIE root *tere- (1) "to rub, turn, twist" (see throw (v.)). Klein says the intended Greek word is thryptein "to crush" and there has been "confusion" with tribein.

n. (context surgery English) The breaking-up of kidney stones or similar calculus by means of ultrasound

Lithotripsy is a medical procedure involving the physical destruction of hardened masses like kidney stones, bezoars or gallstones. The term is derived from the Greek words meaning "breaking (or pulverizing) stones" (litho- + τρίψω [tripso]).