indwelling

1 of 2

adjective

in·​dwell·​ing ˈin-ˌdwe-liŋ 

1

: being an inner activating or guiding force

2

: left within a bodily organ or passage especially to promote drainage

—used of an implanted tube (such as a catheter)

indwelling

2 of 2

present participle of indwell

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for indwelling

• bookselling
• channelling
• compelling
• dispelling
• excelling
• expelling
• foretelling
• impelling
• labelling
• levelling
• marvelling
• misspelling

Medical Definition

indwelling

adjective

in·​dwell·​ing ˈin-ˌdwel-iŋ 

: left within a bodily organ or passage to maintain drainage, prevent obstruction, or provide a route for administration of food or drugs

—used of an implanted tube (as a catheter)