It comes from the Greek word "kéntēsis", which literally translates to "a pricking".
It's often used in medical terms to describe procedures involving puncturing a body cavity or organ, such as:
* Amniocentesis: Puncture of the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid.
* Thoracentesis: Puncture of the chest cavity to remove fluid.
* Lumbar puncture: Puncture of the spinal canal to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid.
* Paracentesis: Puncture of the abdominal cavity to remove fluid.