decidua

de·cid·ua

noun \di-ˈsi-jə-wə, -jü-ə\

plural de·cid·u·ae\-jə-ˌwē, -jü-ˌē\

Definition of DECIDUA

1

: the part of the endometrium that in higher placental mammals undergoes special modifications in preparation for and during pregnancy and is cast off at parturition

2

: the part of the endometrium cast off in the process of menstruation

— de·cid·u·al \-wəl, -əl\ adjective

Origin of DECIDUA

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of deciduus

First Known Use: 1785