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

The Food and Drug Administration approved intravenous Tepezza in 2020 for treatment of active thyroid eye disease, a rare autoimmune condition causing eye-bulging, double vision, and inflammation.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

After being diagnosed, George almost immediately began treatment to help manage his symptoms, which involves intravenous administration of ocrelizumab once every six months over the course of four to six hours.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Children with this condition often depend on long-term intravenous feeding through a pump.

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 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