tent [ME, tente] , 1. a transparent cover, usually of plastic, supported over the upper part of a patient by a frame. Used in the treatment of respiratory conditions, it provides a controlled environment into which steam, oxygen, vaporized medication, or droplets of cool water may be sprayed, such as an oxygen tent. 2. a cone made of various materials inserted into a cavity or orifice of the body to dilate its opening, such as a laminaria tent. 3. a pack placed in a wound to hold it open to ensure that healing progresses from the base of the wound upward to the skin.
