ENGLISH
REFERENCE

intravenous

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪntɹəˈvinəs// UK //ˈɪntɹəvənəs// in·tra·venous

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.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

From intra- + venous.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; often abbreviated as 'IV' in clinical settings.

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