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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.

See Examples For:

This co-operation is illustrated by one of its first cases of Ebola, a nurse who contracted the virus while working in an intensive care unit in Kampala.

From BBC Aug. 1, 2026

For the entirety of his short life at the neonatal intensive care unit, he had the cannula through his nose to facilitate his breathing and a feeding tube between his lips.

From Slate Jul. 19, 2026

The experience put him in the intensive care unit for nine days, after which he was discharged to a rehabilitation facility.

From MarketWatch Jul. 7, 2026

While sitting in the intensive care unit, Martin overheard another mother mention her daughter had the same condition.

From Salon Jun. 22, 2026

Virginia DiAngelo is reported in good condition this morning at Easton General Hospital, while Benjamin, who was flown to the pediatric intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital, remains in critical condition.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings

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