noun
ICU
eye-see-YOO
ICU (noun) means the part of a hospital that treats patients who are critically ill and need constant monitoring and life-support equipment. Example: “He spent nine days in the ICU after the crash.”
noun
1
The part of a hospital that treats patients who are critically ill and need constant monitoring and life-support equipment.
"He spent nine days in the ICU after the crash."
"Every ICU bed in the region was occupied that winter."
abbreviation
1
informal, texting Used in messages and online as a short way of writing I see you, either literally or to show that you have noticed and approve of what someone is doing.
"icu already up at 6am, respect."
"ICU in the background of that photo."
How to use ICU
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe hospital ward for the most seriously ill patients.
When to use it
The medical sense is neutral and standard; the texting sense is very informal and usually lower case.
Memory tip
NICU is the neonatal intensive care unit, for newborn babies, and is often said NICK-yoo.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
admitted to the ICU
ICU bed
neonatal ICU
ICU nurse
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He spent nine days in the _____ after the crash.
Etymology
An initialism of intensive care unit.
Synonyms
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intensive care unit
critical care unit
ITU
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ICU and HDU?
An intensive care unit treats the sickest patients, often with mechanical ventilation and one nurse per patient. A high dependency unit is a step down: closer monitoring than a normal ward, but less support and a lower staffing ratio.
What does ICU mean in texting?
It usually stands for I see you. Depending on tone it can mean literally spotting someone, or acknowledging something impressive they have done.
Is ICU the same as ITU?
In practice yes. Intensive therapy unit is an older British term for the same kind of ward, and many UK hospitals use ICU, ITU and critical care interchangeably.
What is the meaning of ICU?
"ICU" (noun) means the part of a hospital that treats patients who are critically ill and need constant monitoring and life-support equipment.
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