Word Study
probang
CIDE DICTIONARY
probang, n. [See Probe.].
A slender elastic rod, as of whalebone, with a sponge on the end, for removing obstructions from the esophagus, etc. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
probang, n. Surgery a strip of flexible material with a sponge or button etc. at the end for introducing into the throat.
Etymology
17th c. (named provang by its inventor): orig. unkn., perh. alt. after probe
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