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

The research showed that the decidua, the layer of the uterine lining that forms during pregnancy, and blood vessels, are sending different signals to the placenta when a pregnant person has placenta accreta.

From Science Daily

These complications often have roots in the earliest days of pregnancy, when the embryo starts to move into the decidua, the lining of the uterus.

From Science Magazine

EVT cells invade the decidua, where they interact with maternal white blood cells to trigger the remodelling of narrow maternal spiral arteries into wider conduits that can meet the nutritional needs of the developing fetus.

From Nature

The possumhaw holly, Ilex decidua, is valued for its smooth gray bark texture and fruiting habit, but it is too big and perhaps too coarse for the small home garden.

From Washington Post

The tubal placenta possesses foetal structures, the true decidua forming in the uterus.

From Project Gutenberg