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dilation and curettage
noun
: 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) : d&c
Examples of dilation and curettage in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In that case, a health care provider may recommend a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024
At the hospital, the couple was told Cook would need a dilation and curettage procedure -- commonly known as a D&C -- the surgical removal of the lining of the uterus.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 14 Dec. 2023
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
The two procedures also employ the same tools and techniques, depending on the stage of the pregnancy and the health of the pregnant person: medication or dilation and curettage (D. & C.) for early abortions; and dilation and evacuation (D. & E.) or induced labor for later abortions.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 12 May 2022
The doctor did perform a dilation and curettage.
—Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2020
Given the lower efficacy rate, more patients may choose surgical options, such as a suction dilation and curettage, known as a suction D&C, in which a provider opens the cervix and places a tube inside to remove pregnancy tissue.
—Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Mar. 2023
Patients can also opt for a dilation and curettage (D&C).
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2022
After her experience with Susan, Bailey opened up about her own experience needing a D&C [dilation and curettage] after having a miscarriage and her desire to change reproductive health care.
—Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 3 Nov. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dilation and curettage.' 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
1896, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of dilation and curettage was
in 1896
Dictionary Entries Near dilation and curettage
Cite this Entry
“Dilation and curettage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilation%20and%20curettage. Accessed 14 Jun. 2024.
Medical Definition
dilation and curettage
noun
: 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) : d&c
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