A bougie is the same word in English. It is defined as long, flexible instrument, introduced into the urethra, esophagus, etc, to remove obstructions Therapeutics A slender rod consisting of medicine in a vehicle–wax, gelatin that melts at body temperature, which is introduced via the urethra (McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.) Most material refers to plastic bougies. (e.g. Soft plastic ''Neoplex' bougies sizes 1 Ch to 20 Ch.)