endometriosis

American  

[en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis] / ˌɛn doʊˌmi triˈoʊ sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. the presence of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside of the uterus, especially in other pelvic organs such as the ovaries: characterized by cyst formation, adhesions, and pain.

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endometriosis British  

/ ˌɛndəʊˌmiːtrɪˈəʊsɪs /

noun

1. pathol the presence of endometrium in areas other than the lining of the uterus, as on the ovaries, resulting in premenstrual pain

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endometriosis Scientific  

/ ĕn′dō-mē′trē-ō′sĭs /

1. A gynecologic disorder characterized by the abnormal presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus, often resulting in pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea.

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Etymology

Origin of endometriosis

First recorded in 1920–25; from New Latin; endometri(um) ( def. ) + -osis ( def. )

Example Sentences

The NHS has guidelines for managing endometriosis, but since the condition can affect many parts of the body there is no standardised management plan to guide women's treatment or set time frames for their care.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Women with endometriosis want to be cared for, properly.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

That is wrong: endometriosis is a system-wide inflammatory disease.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

This is a condition that costs the economy £12.5bn because it leaves women unable to work in addition to the healthcare costs, Dr Lucy Whittaker, an endometriosis researcher at the University of Edinburgh, told me.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

He’d pioneered the use of estrogen for treating symptoms of menopause and made important early discoveries about endometriosis.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot