ectopic

[ ek-top-ik ]

adjective

, Pathology.

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

ectopic

/ ĕk-tŏp′ĭk /

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

If a pharmacy refuses to fill a prescription for methotrexate because it will end an ectopic pregnancy, it may be discriminating on the basis of sex, according to the HHS.

From Popular-Science

We need to be here for the patient with the ectopic pregnancy who went to the local hospital only to find out they didn’t have methotrexate in stock to terminate that unviable pregnancy.

From Time

It’s one thing to take personal risks to save a patient in a clear life-or-death situation—like with his ectopic pregnancy patient who was bleeding out, Nichols says.

From Time

Doctors also use it to end ectopic pregnancies, in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, resulting in an unviable pregnancy that carries the risk of life-threatening complications for the pregnant person.

From Time

It is also a drug that is used to treat ectopic pregnancies, or pregnancies that happen outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.

From Quartz

When the ectopic ovum begins to develop in the Fallopian tube the placental villi erode the tubal wall and the blood-vessels.

From Project Gutenberg

Hirst says an experienced obstetrical specialist sees from 12 to 24 cases of ectopic pregnancy annually.

From Project Gutenberg

May an ectopic fetus be killed by operation, electricity, or poison, to avert possible danger of death from the mother?

From Project Gutenberg

With conditions like those in question 11, except that the fetus is not viable, may the surgeon remove the inviable ectopic fetus?

From Project Gutenberg

In many of these conditions the ovum becomes blocked and rupture follows as in ectopic gestation.

From Project Gutenberg