D&C

American  

Or D and C

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. a surgical method for the removal of diseased tissue or an early embryo from the lining of the uterus by means of scraping.

---

D and C British  

noun

1. med dilation and curettage; a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure in obstetrics and gynaecology involving dilation of the cervix and curettage of the cavity of the uterus, as for abortion

---

Etymology

Origin of D&C

d(ilation) and c(urettage)

Example Sentences

Main said ProPublica’s analysis suggested to him that “physicians are sitting on nonviable pregnancies longer and longer before they’re doing a D&C — until patients are really bleeding.”

From Salon • Jul. 2, 2025

It was clear Porsha needed an emergency D&C, the medical experts said.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2024

"The standard of care would be a D&C."

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2024

While waiting for the D&C procedure, Shelley started experiencing cramps at home and went to A&E.

From BBC • Nov. 3, 2024

Doctors told ProPublica they have seen colleagues disregard the standard of care when their patients are at risk of infection and wait to see if a miscarriage completes naturally before offering a D&C.

From Salon • Sep. 17, 2024