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 Words From

• non·o·ral·ly adverb
• post·o·ral·ly adverb
• sub·o·ral·ly adverb
• un·o·ral·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of orally¹

oral ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Medications used to treat heart failure include diuretics, which reduce tissue swelling and can be administered orally or intravenously.

From Science Daily

"We now have a new class of molecules that are potently active but do not degrade in the stomach or intestine, meaning they can be taken orally."

From Science Daily

Their work revealed a critical difference between vitamin C given intravenously and vitamin C taken orally.

From Science Daily

The antimalarial is administered orally as soon as patients learn they are pregnant and, if taken on regularly, can significantly reduce the chances of severe malaria over the course of gestation.

From Salon

In the future, the gel could be taken orally before or during alcohol consumption to prevent blood alcohol levels from rising and acetaldehyde from damaging the body.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• personally