endometriosis
noun
en·do·me·tri·osis
ˌen-dō-ˌmē-trē-ˈō-səs 
: the presence and growth of tissue similar to endometrium in places other than the uterus and especially in the pelvis and abdomen that often results in severe pain and infertility
Endometriosis is not malignant, but it mimics cancer in the way it spreads and attaches itself to other organs—most commonly the ovary, bladder, and bowel.—
Consumer Reports
Consumer ReportsEndometriosis is one of the leading causes of female infertility and causes great pain and life disruption.—Paul G. Donohue
Paul G. DonohueExamples of endometriosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Experts estimate that about 10% of people who menstruate have endometriosis, and about 17% to 44% develop ovarian endometriomas.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025
This thong is a favorite of mine as well as Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay, who has endometriosis and swears by it for everyday comfort.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 19 Aug. 2025
Palvin is one of several celebrities who have shared their experience with endometriosis in recent years in attempts to bring more awareness to the disease.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
People who experience very heavy or painful periods may experience infertility due to endometriosis.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2025
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Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025
This thong is a favorite of mine as well as Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay, who has endometriosis and swears by it for everyday comfort.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 19 Aug. 2025
Palvin is one of several celebrities who have shared their experience with endometriosis in recent years in attempts to bring more awareness to the disease.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
People who experience very heavy or painful periods may experience infertility due to endometriosis.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for endometriosis
Cite this Entry
“Endometriosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endometriosis. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
endometriosis
noun
en·do·me·tri·osis
ˌen-dō-ˌmē-trē-ˈō-səs
plural endometrioses
-ˌsēz
: the presence and growth of tissue similar to endometrium in places other than the uterus and especially in the pelvis and abdomen and that often results in severe pain and infertility
The primary symptoms of endometriosis are pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, backache, dyschezia, dysuria, and infertility.—G. David Adamson, The Journal of the American Medical Association
G. David Adamson, The Journal of the American Medical AssociationAbout 40 percent of infertile women suffer from endometriosis.—Gigi Martino, Science News
see adenomyosis
Gigi Martino, Science NewsLove words? Need even more definitions?
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