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

Similarly, what happens when there are complications from a wanted pregnancy that needs to be terminated (e.g., ectopic, molar, or otherwise nonviable pregnancies) after six weeks? —Brynn Tannehill, The New Republic, 14 Sep. 2023

The governor signed a new bill in April that provides exemptions for ectopic and other nonviable pregnancies and allows abortions if a woman’s life is at risk. —Currie Engel, Women's Health, 22 June 2023

About 1 in every 30,000 pregnancies are ectopic, Mayo Clinic states. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 5 Oct. 2022

This situation can also arise when treating ectopic pregnancies; in some edge cases, the fetus can grow to the point where cardiac activity is detected. —Wired, 7 Aug. 2022

Methotrexate is a drug that treats ectopic pregnancies without surgery. —Erik Wemple, Washington Post, 12 July 2022

But doctors also worry other forms of reproductive care, like treating ectopic pregnancies, could be targeted. —Lindsay Whitehurst and Lindsey Tanner, Anchorage Daily News, 24 May 2022

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

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