orally

[awr-uh-lee]

adverb

1. through or by means of speech; vocally.

   The agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally; all changes must be made in writing.

   First written down millenia ago, the ancient Vedic texts continue to be passed down orally even today.

2. through or by means of the mouth.

   These medications can either be taken orally or injected under the skin.

Other Word Forms

• nonorally adverb
• postorally adverb
• suborally adverb
• unorally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of orally¹

oral ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The researchers then gave the microspheres orally to mice with varying levels of colitis, ranging from no disease activity to severe inflammation.

Read more on Science Daily

“It’s going to be a lot of work. I’m not just going to orally say yes go ahead and dismiss the case, case dismissed,” the judge said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Osbourne retells the infamous story of orally beheading an unsuspecting bat.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One part of the screener asks children to manipulate the sounds in a word orally, said Gorno-Tempini.

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Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist based on London's Harley Street, says while there is some research to suggest taking collagen orally has an impact, she remains sceptical.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• personally