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

Aga Mizgala has spent about seven years living with suspected endometriosis, enduring pain she describes as feeling like "a million little needles."

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Bainton said the aim of surgery is always to remove the affected tissue while preserving healthy organs, but that this can be challenging because endometriosis can cause fibrosis and may infiltrate nearby structures.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Doctors say the technology enables them to show precisely which areas of endometriosis may be removed during surgery.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

After the game against West Ham, she made an appointment with a gynaecologist, but - like many other women with endometriosis - she did not get the answers she wanted.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 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