ectopic

[ek-top-ik]

adjective

Pathology.

1. occurring in an abnormal position or place; displaced.

ectopic

1. Out of place, as of an organ not in its proper position, or of a pregnancy occurring elsewhere than in the cavity of the uterus.

2. Of or relating to a heartbeat that has its origin elsewhere than in the sinoatrial node.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ectopic¹

First recorded in 1870–75; ectop(ia) + -ic

Example Sentences

According to the NHS, one in 90 pregnancies in the UK are ectopic, and occur when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb.

From BBC

In another, a woman in pain went to the emergency room and was found to have an ectopic pregnancy — a pregnancy growing outside of her uterus, endangering her life and future fertility.

From Salon

Across the country, women have been turned away from emergency rooms after suffering ectopic pregnancies, which require an emergency abortion to prevent potentially fatal outcomes.

From Salon

"It will make it easier to get an abortion, say, for an ectopic pregnancy, and I do think eliminating this 'life-threatening physical condition' language could help at the margins," Portuondo said in a phone interview.

From Salon

In West Virginia, abortion is prohibited through all stages of pregnancy except in the case of a medical emergency, an ectopic pregnancy or a fetus that's not medically viable.

From Salon