English Reference
Adjective

intravenous

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

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.

Usage

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

Doctors treat patients with intravenous fluids and a drug called atropine, which restores a normal heart rhythm.

Phys.org· 28 Aug 2026

From intra- + venous.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated