indwelling

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a nounmedicaltechnical

   Of a medical tube or device: placed and left inside the body for ongoing use.

   Grammar: Comes before the noun: 'an indwelling catheter'. It is not used after a verb.

   Patterns

   • indwelling catheter
   • indwelling device
   • indwelling tube

   The nurse checked the indwelling catheter every few hours.

   An indwelling line was inserted to give the patient fluids.

   Indwelling devices carry a risk of infection.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounreligionliterary

   Existing or living deep inside someone as a lasting inner presence.

   Grammar: Used before a noun, especially in religious or literary writing: 'an indwelling spirit'.

   Patterns

   • indwelling spirit
   • indwelling presence
   • indwelling of the Holy Spirit

   The poem describes an indwelling presence in all living things.

   Many believers speak of the indwelling Spirit guiding them.

   He wrote about the indwelling of God in the human soul.

Common combinations

indwelling catheter

The doctor replaced the indwelling catheter after a week.

indwelling device

Indwelling devices must be kept sterile.

indwelling presence

She felt an indwelling presence during prayer.

indwelling Spirit

The sermon was about the indwelling Spirit.

Synonyms and how they differ

internal

A general word for 'inside'; 'indwelling' specifically suggests something placed or living inside for a continuing purpose.

inherent

Means existing as a natural part; 'indwelling' is more about actual presence inside a body or soul.

Opposites

Word family

dwell verb

To live in a place; the base verb from which 'indwelling' is formed.

dwelling noun

A house or place where someone lives.

Commonly confused: indwelling or in-dwelling?

Practice

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