uterine

[ yoo-ter-in, -tuh-rahyn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the uterus or womb.
2. related through having had the same mother.

uterine

/ ˈjuːtəˌraɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affecting the uterus
2. (of offspring) born of the same mother but not the same father

   uterine brothers

Other Words From

• non·uter·ine adjective
• post·uter·ine adjective
• trans·uter·ine adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of uterine¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin uterīnus of, pertaining to the uterus. See uterus, -ine ¹

Example Sentences

They created a new exception for ectopic pregnancies, a potentially fatal condition where the embryo attaches outside the uterine cavity, and for cases where a patient’s membranes rupture prematurely before viability, which introduces a high risk of infection.

From Salon

Through fingerlike projections that descend upon the uterine wall, it attempts to quench the embryo’s appetite for maternal blood.

From Slate

Having an extra-thick uterine lining, as is the case in humans, helps the female body keep at bay the tentacle-like villi of the invasive human placenta should pregnancy occur.

From Slate

It is more efficient, in our species at least, to shed the uterine armament and grow it afresh each cycle, ready for the next potential incursion.

From Slate

On "Meet the Press" Sunday, he insisted his fixation on the uterine activity of strangers makes him "a normal human being."

From Salon