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
As her condition deteriorated, doctors discussed a procedure to empty the uterus called a dilation and curettage, or D&C; the state had recently attached criminal penalties to performing it, with few exceptions. Ziva Branstetter, ProPublica, 3 Oct. 2024 Thurman needed a dilation and curettage, or D&C, a procedure in which tissue is removed from inside the uterus. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 21 Sep. 2024 This may occur after a dilation and curettage (D&C) or uterine surgery. Rachel Gurevich, Parents, 25 July 2024 For those who choose expectant management, there is a chance of needing a D&C later. Krissi Danielsson, Parents, 1 July 2024 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

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 13 Oct. 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
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