What does uteri mean?
Uteri is the plural of uterus, the muscular organ in which an embryo develops and, in humans, where a fetus is carried during pregnancy. The form is widely used in anatomy, medicine, veterinary science, and biological research, especially when discussing several animals or comparing organs across specimens. It is a direct Latinate plural: English uses uterus in the singular and uteri in the plural, rather than a regular English ending such as -uses. In formal writing, uteri is appropriate and precise, although wombs may sound more familiar in general prose. The word often appears in expressions such as pregnant uteri and non-pregnant uteri, identifying the condition of the organs themselves. Distinguishing uteri from uterine is important in medical discussion: the former names multiple wombs, while the latter is an adjective describing something related to the womb or uterus. Overall, uteri is a technical but entirely standard English plural, valued for its compactness and scientific clarity.
noun (plural)The plural of uterus: the hollow, muscular reproductive organs of female mammals in which embryos develop. In humans, the uterus holds and supports a developing fetus during pregnancy.
- The plural form of uterus, referring to the reproductive organs of more than one female mammal or to multiple uterine structures within an individual.
"Researchers compared the uteri of pregnant and non-pregnant mice."
"Researchers compared the uteri of pregnant and non-pregnant mice."
"Uterus didelphys is a rare condition in which two uteri develop."
Uteri is the standard irregular plural of uterus.
"The study examined the uteri of pregnant mice."
One uterus, many uteri—the Latin plural skips the usual English ending.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uteri come from?
Uterus descends from the Latin noun uterus, meaning “womb,” whose plural was uteri. English has retained this Latinate inflection, using uterus in the singular and uteri in the plural. Related English forms such as uterine and the combining form utero- continue the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How uteri is actually used
Uteri is standard in anatomy, medicine, veterinary science, and biological research. It is especially precise when discussing organs in several animals or when describing an individual with two uteri; in general prose, wombs may sound more familiar.
Easily confused with uteri
Uteri is the plural noun referring to multiple wombs, whereas uterine is an adjective meaning relating to the uterus or womb.