noun

oviduct

OV-ih-dukt

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Oviduct (noun) means a duct that carries an egg from an ovary to the uterus or to the outside of the body. Example: “The surgeon located the blocked oviduct during the scan.”

noun

A duct that carries an egg from an ovary to the uterus or to the outside of the body.

"The surgeon located the blocked oviduct during the scan."

"In birds, the shell forms as the egg travels down the oviduct."

"A cyst had formed near the opening of her left oviduct."

How to use oviduct

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is simply the tube an egg travels through on its way out of the ovary.

When to use it

This is a technical term from anatomy and zoology rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember the parts ovi- (egg) and duct (channel) and the meaning becomes easy to recall.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

blocked oviduct down the oviduct oviduct lining damage to the oviduct

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The surgeon located the blocked _____ during the scan.

Etymology

The word was taken into English from New Latin ōviductus. It is built from the Latin element ovi-, meaning egg, joined to duct, so the name literally describes a passage for an egg.

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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Fallopian tube uterine tube

Frequently asked questions

What is an oviduct?

It is the tube that carries an egg away from the ovary, either to the uterus or out of the body, depending on the animal.

Is an oviduct the same as a Fallopian tube?

Yes, in humans the term Fallopian tube is another name for the oviduct.

Do only humans have oviducts?

No, the term is used across zoology for any animal with a duct that carries eggs from the ovary.

What is the meaning of oviduct?

"oviduct" (noun) means a duct that carries an egg from an ovary to the uterus or to the outside of the body.