View synonyms for ectopic

ectopic

[ ek-top-ik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

, Pathology.

ectopic

/ ĕk-tŏp′ĭk /

Out of place, as of an organ not in its proper position, or of a pregnancy occurring elsewhere than in the cavity of the uterus.
Of or relating to a heartbeat that has its origin elsewhere than in the sinoatrial node.

Origin of ectopic¹

First recorded in 1870–75; ectop(ia) + -ic

When the ectopic ovum begins to develop in the Fallopian tube the placental villi erode the tubal wall and the blood-vessels.

Hirst says an experienced obstetrical specialist sees from 12 to 24 cases of ectopic pregnancy annually.

May an ectopic fetus be killed by operation, electricity, or poison, to avert possible danger of death from the mother?

With conditions like those in question 11, except that the fetus is not viable, may the surgeon remove the inviable ectopic fetus?

In many of these conditions the ovum becomes blocked and rupture follows as in ectopic gestation.

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