uterus

[yoo-ter-uhs]

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

uteri, uteruses 

1. the enlarged, muscular, expandable portion of the oviduct in which the fertilized ovum implants and develops or rests during prenatal development; the womb of certain mammals.

uterus

/ ˈjuːtərəs /

noun

1. Nontechnical name: womb. anatomy a hollow muscular organ lying within the pelvic cavity of female mammals. It houses the developing fetus and by contractions aids in its expulsion at parturition

2. the corresponding organ in other animals

uterus

plural

uteri 

1. The hollow, muscular organ of female mammals in which the embryo develops. In most mammals the uterus is divided into two saclike parts, whereas in primates it is a single structure. It lies between the bladder and rectum and is attached to the vagina and the fallopian tubes. During the menstrual cycle (estrus), the lining of the uterus (endometrium) undergoes changes that permit the implantation of a fertilized egg.

2. Also called womb

3. See more at menstrual cycle

uterus

1. A pear-shaped organ in the female reproductive system where the embryo or fetus develops until birth. The strong muscles of the uterus help push the baby out of the mother's body.

Word History and Origins

Origin of uterus¹

1605–15; < Latin: the womb, matrix; akin to Greek hystéra womb, Sanskrit udara belly

Word History and Origins

Origin of uterus¹

C17: from Latin; compare Greek hustera womb, hoderos belly, Sanskrit udara belly

Example Sentences

When they suggested pulling down her uterus to acquire the sample, she demanded they stop.

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The device used is commonly known as a coil and is placed inside the womb, or uterus, to prevent pregnancy.

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Last month, she revealed how she had also been affected by the severity of painful fibroids - abnormal growths that develop in the uterus.

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Endometriosis is a common but debilitating condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pelvic pain and infertility.

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Sarah, a patient from the north-west of England, said she was due to have a hysterectomy - an operation to remove her uterus - on Monday but it had been cancelled for a second time.

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