intravenous

American  

[in-truh-vee-nuhs] / ˌɪn trəˈvi nəs /

adjective

1. within a vein.

2. of, pertaining to, employed in, or administered by injection into a vein.

   an intravenous solution.

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noun

1. an intravenous injection.

2. intravenous feeding. IV

intravenous British  

/ ˌɪntrəˈviːnəs /

adjective

1. Abbreviations (esp of an injection): IV.   i.v..  anatomy within a vein

   an intravenous injection

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intravenous Scientific  

/ ĭn′trə-vē′nəs /

1. Existing or occurring within a vein.

2. Administered into a vein, as an injection.

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intravenous Cultural  

1. A descriptive term for things within a vein. Intravenous feeding or medication is the passing of nutrients or medicines into a vein through a tube.

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Other Word Forms

• intravenously
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of intravenous

First recorded in 1840–50; intra- + venous

Explanation

If you're severely dehydrated, your nurse will rig up an intravenous drip to get liquid into you: she'll skip your mouth and plug directly into your veins. Intravenous can be broken down to intra-, meaning "within" or "via," and venous, meaning "of the veins." Often in hospitals you will be given water or nutrients from intravenous drips — you've surely seen these on TV if not at the hospital: plastic bags of liquid connected to a tube going into someone's arm. It's a way to get needed stuff into your body without waiting for the digestive system to handle it.

Example Sentences

The tribunal heard he intravenously administered vitamin C and garlic oil to both patients as a treatment for cancer and reused intravenous bags, exposing patients to risk of serious infection.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Kelonia is known for its “In vivo CAR-T therapy,” an intravenous injection that offers a cheaper, faster, and potentially more effective way to fight cancer.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

So bad was the injury, in fact, that Moss was kept in hospital on an intravenous drip.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Patients received intravenous ketamine or a placebo over a two-week period.

From Science Daily • Mar. 8, 2026

From a metal rig hung a plastic bag of ginger-colored fluid, the intravenous tube disconnected and dangling to the floor.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen

Related Words

• drip