oral contraceptive
noun
plural oral contraceptives
: any of various preparations that typically contain progestin either alone or in combination with estrogen, are taken orally especially on a daily basis, and act as contraceptives (see contraceptive entry 1) by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or thinning the uterine lining : birth control pill
Johns Hopkins University has estimated that 80 percent of American women born since 1945 have used oral contraceptives at some time.—The New York Times
And because it's a combined oral contraceptive … meaning that it contains progestin and estrogen, it's not recommended for nursing moms …—Caitlin Stine
She is considering having another child and is wondering whether she should discontinue oral contraceptives to attempt pregnancy.—G. Adam Davidson
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share