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Glite Dictionary
uterine tube

uterine tube

4.6
One of two tubes that carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus
  • noun
  • /ˈjuːtərɪn tuːb/
  • Specialized
translation icon : trompa de Falopio
  • During surgery, the doctor examined both uterine tubes for abnormalities.

Examples

  • The egg travels through the uterine tube after ovulation.

  • The uterine tube transports eggs to the uterus.

  • A blockage in the uterine tube can cause infertility in women.

  • Doctors often examine the uterine tubes during fertility tests.

  • The fertilized egg travels through the uterine tube before implanting in the uterus.

  • In some women, the uterine tube may become blocked, preventing pregnancy.

  • Doctors can monitor the health of the uterine tubes during fertility assessments.

Synonyms

fallopian
vsuterine tube
  • Specialized
10 5.1

A tube that carries an egg from an ovary to the womb

has the same sense but is the formal anatomical name
Fallopian tube
vsuterine tube
  • Specialized
8 5.5

One of two thin tubes in a woman's body that carry an egg from the ovary to the womb

is the same structure but uses a broader anatomical label
oviduct
vsuterine tube
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A tube in female animals that carries eggs from the ovary to the womb or outside the body

is more specific, meaning tubes that carry eggs into the uterus

Surface Forms

uterine tube singular
uterine tubes plural

Morphology

uterine + tube

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'uterine' (connected with the uterus) plus 'tube' (a hollow conduit), yielding 'a tube associated with the uterus that conveys eggs.' This is a regular anatomical compound with clear cross-linguistic parallels, so a learner who knows the constituent words can infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Uterine tube paints a simple picture: a small tube next to the uterus that carries an egg from the ovary to the womb, so it means the same thing as the 'fallopian tube'.