Word
intravenous
Phoneticsin·tra·venous
US/ˌɪntɹəˈvinəs/
UK/ˈɪntɹəvənəs/
Definition
adj. something that happens inside your veins. It usually describes medicine or fluids that a doctor puts directly into your blood using a needle.
adj. situated within, performed by, or administered into a vein. Often describes the delivery of fluids or medications directly into the circulatory system.
Examples
“The patient needs intravenous fluids to stay hydrated.”
“The nurse started an intravenous drip to deliver the antibiotics as quickly as possible.”
“Medical professionals prefer intravenous administration for certain drugs because it bypasses the digestive system, allowing for immediate absorption and more precise control over blood concentration levels.”
Examples
simple
“The patient needs intravenous fluids to stay hydrated.”
contextual
“The nurse started an intravenous drip to deliver the antibiotics as quickly as possible.”
complex
“Medical professionals prefer intravenous administration for certain drugs because it bypasses the digestive system, allowing for immediate absorption and more precise control over blood concentration levels.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often abbreviated as 'IV' in clinical settings.
Real-World Examples
“Doctors treat patients with intravenous fluids and a drug called atropine, which restores a normal heart rhythm.” Etymology
From intra- + venous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/intravenous