decidua

noun

de·​cid·​ua di-ˈsi-jə-wə How to pronounce decidua (audio)
-jü-ə
plural deciduae di-ˈsi-jə-ˌwē How to pronounce decidua (audio)
-jü-ˌē
1
: the part of the endometrium that in higher placental mammals undergoes special modifications in preparation for and during pregnancy and is cast off at parturition
2
: the part of the endometrium cast off in the process of menstruation
decidual adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of deciduus

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decidua was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near decidua

Cite this Entry

“Decidua.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decidua. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

decidua

noun
de·​cid·​ua di-ˈsij-ə-wə How to pronounce decidua (audio)
plural deciduae -ˌwē How to pronounce decidua (audio)
1
: the part of the mucous membrane lining the uterus that in higher placental mammals undergoes special modifications in preparation for and during pregnancy and is cast off at parturition, being made up in the human of a part lining the uterus (see decidua parietalis), a part enveloping the embryo (see decidua capsularis), and a part participating with the chorion in the formation of the placenta (see decidua basalis)
2
: the part of the mucous membrane of the uterus cast off in the ordinary process of menstruation
decidual adjective
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