ectopic

adjective

ec·​top·​ic ek-ˈtä-pik How to pronounce ectopic (audio)
: occurring in an abnormal position or in an unusual manner or form
ectopic lesions
ectopically adverb

Examples of ectopic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These reckless, politically motivated ads contributed to delays that endangered my life despite my ectopic [pregnancy] being discovered at 5 weeks and with no heartbeat. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 The complaint states that on February 17, Thurman first went to her hometown emergency room after testing positive on a pregnancy test and under the guidance of her OBGYN, who suspected based on her heavy bleeding that the pregnancy was ectopic. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 19 June 2025 Of these pregnancies, around 20% will be ectopic (implanted in places other than the uterus) and nonviable (not capable of developing). Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025 Bleeding is a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.13 Miscarriage: The loss of pregnancy, known as miscarriage, can cause bleeding. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2025 Women who have ectopic and molar pregnancies and other complications that are life-threatening are forced to carry (sometimes dead or non-viable) fetuses. The Tennessean, 1 Aug. 2024 During the 2023 legislative session, state lawmakers carved out exceptions for ectopic and molar pregnancies — complications that guarantee a pregnancy will not be viable. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 24 Apr. 2024 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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ectopic was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ectopic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ectopic. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

ectopic

adjective
ec·​top·​ic ek-ˈtäp-ik How to pronounce ectopic (audio)
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 adverb
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!