What does uterus mean?
The uterus is a hollow, muscular reproductive organ in female mammals, and in humans it forms part of the pelvic organs between the bladder and the rectum. Its inner lining, the endometrium, thickens during the menstrual cycle and is prepared for the implantation and development of an embryo. During pregnancy, the uterus expands to accommodate the fetus, while its muscular walls help support the pregnancy and eventually contribute to childbirth. The word is also used anatomically when discussing menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, surgery, and reproductive medicine. “Uterus” is the usual technical term, while “womb” is more familiar in general speech. In zoology, the term refers to the corresponding organ in other female mammals. Its Latin history also connects it with words such as “uterine,” while the related Greek root gives us terms including “hysterectomy” and “hysteria.”
nounThe uterus is the hollow, muscular reproductive organ in female mammals in which an embryo develops. In humans, it is a pelvic organ connected to the cervix and the fallopian tubes, and its lining changes during the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.
- An anatomical sense: the female mammalian reproductive organ in which embryos develop, especially the human pelvic organ whose lining undergoes menstrual and pregnancy-related changes.
"The ultrasound showed that the pregnancy was developing in the uterus."
"The ultrasound showed that the pregnancy was developing in the uterus."
"In many female mammals, the uterus is the organ in which embryos develop."
“Uteri” is standard in medical usage; “uteruses” is also a regular English plural.
"Both uteri were examined during the procedure."
The uterus is one of the body's most adaptable organs: it can hold, nourish, and deliver a developing human.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uterus come from?
English “uterus” comes from Latin uterus, meaning “womb,” which in turn derives from the ancient Greek word hystéra, also meaning “womb.” The word entered English during the Middle English period and was later adopted more broadly in anatomical and medical terminology. Its Latin connection is reflected in “uterine” and the combining form “utero-,” while the Greek source underlies terms such as “hysterectomy” and “hysteria.”
Related word forms
How uterus is actually used
“Uterus” is the standard anatomical and medical term. “Womb” is widely understood and remains common in general and British usage, but “uterus” is preferred in formal medical and scientific contexts.
Easily confused with uterus
The uterus is the reproductive organ in which an embryo develops, whereas a ureter is one of the tubes that carries urine from a kidney to the bladder.