decidua

[ dih-sij-oo-uh ]

noun

, Embryology.

, plural de·cid·u·as, de·cid·u·ae [dih-, sij, -oo-ee].

1. the endometrium of a pregnant uterus that in many of the higher mammals is cast off at parturition.

decidua

/ dɪˈsɪdjʊə /

noun

1. the specialized mucous membrane that lines the uterus of some mammals during pregnancy: is shed, with the placenta, at parturition

Derived Forms

• deˈcidual, adjective

Other Words From

• de·cidu·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decidua¹

1775–85; < New Latin, noun use of feminine of Latin dēciduus falling; deciduous

Word History and Origins

Origin of decidua¹

C18: from New Latin, from Latin dēciduus falling down; see deciduous

Example Sentences

For the human embryo is developed with a genuine decidua, and is thus absolutely distinguished from all the Indeciduata.

From Project Gutenberg

These latter never possess a decidua, whereas Elephants and Hyrax are genuine Deciduata.

From Project Gutenberg

Hydrorrhoea gravidarum is an intermittent discharge of clear or bloody fluid from a catarrhal endometritis under the decidua.

From Project Gutenberg

Folds of this nature, which are specially developed in Man and Apes, are known as a decidua reflexa.

From Project Gutenberg

The decidua reflexa of the Rat is reduced to extreme tenuity, or even vanishes before the close of gestation.

From Project Gutenberg