ectopic Definition
occurring in an abnormal position or place; displaced.
Using ectopic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ectopic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
Example
Ectopic beats are heartbeats that occur outside of the normal rhythm.
Example
Ectopic kidney is a rare condition where the kidney is located in an abnormal position.
ectopic Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with ectopic
a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube
Example
An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
ectopic heartbeat
a heartbeat that originates from a location other than the sinoatrial (SA) node, the natural pacemaker of the heart
Example
Ectopic heartbeats are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate an underlying heart condition.
a rare condition where the kidney is located in an abnormal position, such as the pelvis or abdomen
Example
Most people with ectopic kidney do not experience any symptoms and do not require treatment.
Origins of ectopic
from Greek 'ektópos', meaning 'out of place'
Summary: ectopic in Brief
'Ectopic' [ek-top-ik] refers to something occurring in an abnormal position or place. It is often used in medical contexts, such as 'ectopic pregnancy,' where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, and 'ectopic heartbeat,' where the heartbeat originates from a location other than the natural pacemaker of the heart. 'Ectopic' can also describe physical anomalies like 'ectopic kidney.'