heterotopic

adjective

het·​ero·​top·​ic ˌhe-tə-rə-ˈtä-pik How to pronounce heterotopic (audio)
: occurring in an abnormal place
heterotopic bone formation
heterotopic liver transplant

Examples of heterotopic 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.
The major cause of heterotopic ossification is trauma, and a hip replacement surgery is quite traumatic. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 8 Aug. 2021

Word History

Etymology

heter- + Greek topos place

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heterotopic was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near heterotopic

Cite this Entry

“Heterotopic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterotopic. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

heterotopic

adjective
het·​ero·​top·​ic ˌhet-ə-rə-ˈtäp-ik How to pronounce heterotopic (audio)
1
: occurring in an abnormal place
heterotopic bone formation
2
: grafted or transplanted into an abnormal position
heterotopic liver transplantation
heterotopia noun
also heterotopy
plural heterotopias or heterotopies
heterotopically adverb
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