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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.


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

"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

endometriosis Scientific  
/ ĕn′dō-mē′trē-ōsĭs /
  1. A gynecologic disorder characterized by the abnormal presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus, often resulting in pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea.


Etymology

Origin of endometriosis

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At present, there are wider guidelines primarily covering fibroids, endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Amy-Jane, 30, from south Wales, was first diagnosed with endometriosis in 2018, a condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Evie wants groups like hers to push for bigger change and, as a trainee paediatric nurse, wants training for conditions like endometriosis to be added to the curriculum for medical and nursing students.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Part of Ashley’s story is using the video of the fight between Josh and Lindsay as blackmail to get health insurance so she can afford treatment for her endometriosis.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 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