What does the term "aspirate" mean in medical terminology?

The term "aspirate" in medical terminology specifically refers to the action of drawing in or out by suction. This process is commonly used in various medical procedures where fluids or gases need to be removed from the body or when samples are collected for diagnostic purposes, such as aspirating fluid from a cyst or abscess. The technique relies on creating a negative pressure to pull substances into a syringe or drainage device. Understanding this term is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it describes a fundamental method employed in numerous clinical interventions.

Other terms like administering medication or injecting a substance refer to different processes involving the introduction of substances into the body, while massaging an area does not relate to suction or the removal of substances at all. Thus, the definition of "aspirate" is distinctly aligned with the concept of suction.