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Synonyms

intensive care unit

American  

noun

  1. the specialized center in a hospital where intensive care is provided. ICU


Etymology

Origin of intensive care unit

First recorded in 1960–65

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.

"This person is currently being treated in the intensive care unit in Johannesburg and is in a critical but stable condition," said Oceanwide Expeditions.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

On her third visit, as Crain’s condition deteriorated, a doctor did not send Crain to the intensive care unit until he could confirm fetal demise with two ultrasounds.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

Years ago, they had been driving home from the neonatal intensive care unit with their son, listening to BBC Radio 1, when they played a live version of Stargazing from Big Weekend in Luton.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

The woman was 7 months pregnant with the family’s third child, a girl, who died in a neonatal intensive care unit.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

While in the elevator, on our way to the sixth floor of the intensive care unit, I thought about how my dad would look.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

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