variants or D and C
plural D&Cs or D and Cs
: a medical procedure in which the uterine cervix is dilated and a curette is inserted into the uterus to scrape away the endometrium (as for the diagnosis or treatment of abnormal bleeding or for surgical abortion during the early part of the second trimester of pregnancy) : dilation and curettage

DC

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
[Italian da capo] from the beginning
2
decimal classification
3
direct current
4
District of Columbia
5
doctor of chiropractic
6
double crochet

Examples of D&C in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In that case, a health care provider may recommend a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024 The situation required the reality star to have a procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) in which tissue from inside the uterus is removed. Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 3 Nov. 2023 Sacks said doctors use D&C for abortions but also for miscarriages. Williesha Morris | Wmorris@al.com, al, 1 Aug. 2023 Without hesitation, my doctor told me that a D&C would be the smoothest route for my body. Samantha Mann, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2023 The doctor offered Jennifer two options: wait for her body to pass the fetal tissue naturally — which could take days or weeks and might still require medical intervention to prevent infection — or get a D&C to terminate the pregnancy immediately. Katie Shepherd, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2022 Patients can also opt for a dilation and curettage (D&C). Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2022 Plus, our doctor wants to do a D&C (dilation and curettage, which involves the surgical removal of part of the lining of the uterus) to get rid of the questionable inflammation because antibiotics are not working. refinery29.com, 30 Nov. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'D&C.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of D&C was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near D&C

Cite this Entry

“D&C.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/D%26C. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

D&C

1 of 2 noun
variants or D and C
: a medical procedure in which the uterine cervix is dilated and a curette is inserted into the uterus to scrape away the endometrium (as for the diagnosis or treatment of abnormal bleeding or for surgical abortion during the early part of the second trimester of pregnancy) : dilation and curettage

DC

2 of 2 abbreviation
1
Dental Corps
2
diagnostic center
3
direct current
4
doctor of chiropractic

Legal Definition

D.C.

abbreviation
district court
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!