stethoscope

(steth’o-skip) [Gr. στῆθος chest + σκοπεῖν to inspect]. An instrument of various form, size. and material for performing mediate auscultation. By means of this instrument the respiratory, cardiac, pleural, arterial, venous, uterine, fetal, intestinal, and other sounds are conveyed to the ear of the observer. binaural s., one with two adjustable branches, designed for use with both ears. differential s., one by means of which sounds at two different portions of the body may be compared.