decidua

[ dih-sij-oo-uh ]

noun,plural de·cid·u·as, de·cid·u·ae

[dih-sij-oo-ee]. /dɪˈsɪdʒ uˌi/. Embryology.

the endometrium of a pregnant uterus that in many of the higher mammals is cast off at parturition.

Origin of decidua

1775–85; <New Latin, noun use of feminine of Latin dēciduus falling; see deciduous

Other words from decidua

de·cid·u·al, adjective

Words Nearby decidua

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use decidua in a sentence

For the human embryo is developed with a genuine decidua, and is thus absolutely distinguished from all the Indeciduata.
The History of Creation, Vol. II (of 2) | Ernst Haeckel
These latter never possess a decidua, whereas Elephants and Hyrax are genuine Deciduata.
The History of Creation, Vol. II (of 2) | Ernst Haeckel
Hydrorrhoea gravidarum is an intermittent discharge of clear or bloody fluid from a catarrhal endometritis under the decidua.
The Ethics of Medical Homicide and Mutilation | Austin O'Malley
Folds of this nature, which are specially developed in Man and Apes, are known as a decidua reflexa.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume III (of 4) | Francis Maitland Balfour
The decidua reflexa of the Rat is reduced to extreme tenuity, or even vanishes before the close of gestation.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume III (of 4) | Francis Maitland Balfour

British Dictionary definitions for decidua

decidua

/ (dɪˈsɪdjʊə) /

nounplural -ciduas or -ciduae (-ˈsɪdjʊˌiː)

the specialized mucous membrane that lines the uterus of some mammals during pregnancy: is shed, with the placenta, at parturition

Origin of decidua

C18: from New Latin, from Latin dēciduus falling down; see deciduous

Derived forms of decidua

decidual or deciduate, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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