Skip to main content
intrauterine device

intrauterine device

1 3.9
A small device put inside the womb to prevent pregnancy
  • noun
  • /ˌɪntrəˈjuːtərɪn dɪˈvaɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : dispositivo intrauterino
  • Many healthcare providers recommend the intrauterine device because it is effective and convenient.
  • intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Shield intrauterine device
  • other intrauterine devices

Examples

  • Among a range of birth control methods offered in the study, most women chose long-acting methods like intrauterine devices (IUDs) or implants, which have lower failure rates than commonly used birth control pills.

    Blog text (16)
  • The form of birth control most prevalent after an abortion was the intrauterine device (IUD).

    Academic text (2006)
  • More invasive procedures, such as fitting intrauterine devices, require written consent.

    Academic text (2014)
  • It's called the IUD (or intrauterine device).

    Blog text (10)
  • Other emergencies may occur unexpectedly during a standard appointment, such as fitting an intrauterine device.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Grfenberg is best known for developing the intrauterine device (IUD).

    Blog text (7)
  • Family planning methods include the birth control pill, the intrauterine device, spermicidal jellies and creams, and sterilization.

    Academic text (2000)
  • First, a large majority of the women in the study were encouraged—and chose—to use intrauterine devices, or IUDs, and hormonal implants.

    Blog text (12)
  • The copper intrauterine device is a popular option for women seeking long-term birth control.

  • After discussing various options, she decided to have an intrauterine device inserted to prevent pregnancy.

Synonyms

IUD
vsintrauterine device
  • Specialized
9 4.1

A small T-shaped plastic or metal device placed in the womb to stop pregnancy

is the full formal name rather than the shortened form
coil
vsintrauterine device
  • UK
4 7.4

A small device placed in a woman's womb to prevent pregnancy

is the general clinical name used for that uterine-placed contraceptive
birth control device
vsintrauterine device
  • Specialized
1 3.2

Something that stops a person from becoming pregnant

is the specific uterine-inserted method not a general prevention device
contraceptive device
vsintrauterine device
1 4.5

A thing that stops pregnancy, for example a pill or condom

is the specific uterine-inserted method rather than general devices

How Effective

sterilization
  • Specialized
22 4.9
intrauterine device
  • Specialized
1 3.9
contraception
175 4.4
condom
  • NSFW
442 2.8
calendar method
  • Specialized
5.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

intrauterine + device

The meaning is directly compositional: 'intrauterine' means 'inside the uterus' and 'device' is a manufactured item, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer this refers to a device placed in the uterus. The referent (a contraceptive IUD) is a straightforward extension of that literal composition and similar constructions exist cross-linguistically, making the term predictable from its parts.

Etymology

The noun intrauterine device is a simple, literal name: intrauterine means 'inside' the 'uterus' and device means a small tool. So it describes a tiny tool put inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy, which is why it means 'birth control placed inside the uterus'.