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adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

intravenous

ihnt-ruh-VEE-nuhs

Intravenous (adj) means Given or existing inside a vein, rather than through the mouth or muscle. Example: “The nurse set up an intravenous drip to get fluids into him quickly.”

adj
1
Given or existing inside a vein, rather than through the mouth or muscle.
"The nurse set up an intravenous drip to get fluids into him quickly."
"Intravenous antibiotics work faster than pills."

How to use intravenous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDelivered straight into a vein through a needle or tube, usually shortened to "IV."

Common pairings
intravenous drip intravenous fluids intravenous antibiotics
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Test yourself on “intravenous” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The nurse set up an _____ drip to get fluids into him quickly.

Etymology

From intra- ("within") + venous ("relating to veins"), literally "inside the veins."

Origin: Latin

endovenous

Rhymes for intravenous

See all rhymes for intravenous →

Frequently asked questions

What does “intravenous” mean?

The word “intravenous” means given or existing inside a vein, rather than through the mouth or muscle. In plain terms, delivered straight into a vein through a needle or tube, usually shortened to "IV.".

How do you pronounce “intravenous”?

“Intravenous” is pronounced ihnt-ruh-VEE-nuhs (/ɪntɹəˈviːnəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “intravenous” in a sentence?

Here is “intravenous” used in a sentence: “The nurse set up an intravenous drip to get fluids into him quickly.”

What part of speech is “intravenous”?

“Intravenous” is an adjective.

Where does the word “intravenous” come from?

The word “intravenous” comes from Latin. From intra- ("within") + venous ("relating to veins"), literally "inside the veins.".

Is “intravenous” a common word?

“Intravenous” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial