ectopic

adjective

ec·​top·​ic ek-ˈtä-pik 

: occurring in an abnormal position or in an unusual manner or form

ectopic lesions

ectopically

ek-ˈtä-pi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of ectopic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If the pregnancy is ectopic, the risk of rupture increases the longer treatment is delayed. — Andrea Suozzo, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Similar to ectopic deaths, the rise appeared to begin during the COVID pandemic, but the rate of complications remained elevated after hospital systems stabilized and the state passed its restrictive law. — Andrea Suozzo, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2026

The problem is that a single ultrasound usually can't determine whether a pregnancy is ectopic. — Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 24 June 2026

With another piece of paper indicating her pregnancy was not ectopic, though, Hall had left the clinic thinking that concern didn’t apply to her. — Emily Brindley health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek ektopos out of place, from ex- out + topos place

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ectopic

• ectopic pregnancy

Rhymes for ectopic

• anthropic
• atopic
• entropic
• myopic
• adrenocorticotropic
• allotropic
• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic
• hygroscopic

Medical Definition

ectopic

adjective

ec·​top·​ic ek-ˈtäp-ik 

1

: occurring in an abnormal position

an ectopic kidney

compare entopic

2

: originating in an area of the heart other than the sinoatrial node

ectopic beats

also : initiating ectopic heartbeats

an ectopic pacemaker

ectopically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb