Meaning & use

intrauterine

adjective·Advancedmedical

Last updated

UK/ˌɪntrəˈjuːtəraɪn/
US/ˌɪntrəˈjuːtərɪn/

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a nounmedical

    Relating to or located inside the uterus (womb).

    Grammar: Used mainly before a noun, especially in medical terms like intrauterine device or intrauterine growth.

    Patterns

    • intrauterine device
    • intrauterine growth
    • intrauterine insemination

    The doctor recommended an intrauterine device as a long-term contraceptive.

    Intrauterine growth restriction can be detected by ultrasound.

    She underwent intrauterine insemination to help her conceive.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounmedical

    Occurring or situated within the uterus during pregnancy.

    Grammar: Describes conditions or events that happen inside the uterus, often before birth.

    Patterns

    • intrauterine infection
    • intrauterine death
    • intrauterine environment

    An intrauterine infection can pose risks to both mother and baby.

    The intrauterine environment plays a key role in fetal development.

    Intrauterine death is a tragic outcome that requires sensitive care.

Common combinations

intrauterine device
An intrauterine device is a small, T-shaped contraceptive inserted into the uterus.
intrauterine growth restriction
Intrauterine growth restriction means the baby is smaller than expected for its gestational age.
intrauterine insemination
Intrauterine insemination involves placing sperm directly into the uterus.
intrauterine infection
An intrauterine infection may cause premature labor.

Synonyms and how they differ

uterine
Uterine means relating to the uterus in general, while intrauterine specifically means inside the uterus.

Opposites

extrauterine

Word family

intrauterine device noun
A contraceptive device placed inside the uterus; often abbreviated IUD.

Commonly confused: intrauterine or intravenous?

intrauterine vs intravenous

Intravenous means inside a vein, while intrauterine means inside the uterus. Both use the prefix intra-, but they refer to different body parts.

Practice

Which of the following is a common contraceptive method?

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