endometriosis
noun
en·do·me·tri·osis
ˌen-dō-ˌmē-trē-ˈō-səs 
: the presence and growth of tissue similar to endometrium in places other than the uterus and especially in the pelvis and abdomen that often results in severe pain and infertility
Endometriosis is not malignant, but it mimics cancer in the way it spreads and attaches itself to other organs—most commonly the ovary, bladder, and bowel.—
Consumer Reports
Consumer ReportsEndometriosis is one of the leading causes of female infertility and causes great pain and life disruption.—Paul G. Donohue
Paul G. DonohueExamples of endometriosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Typically associated with endometriosis, endometriomas form when the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows on the ovary’s surface.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 4 June 2025
In a June 2020 Women's Health cover story, Hough detailed her journey with endometriosis, the reproductive condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing cramping and chronic pain.
—Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 3 June 2025
Here, the researchers focused on three biomarkers that are particularly relevant to women’s health: C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of infection and inflammation; CEA, a marker associated with gynecological cancers; and CA-125, a marker associated with endometriosis.
—Paul McClure 01, New Atlas, 1 June 2025
Both Billy Joel and Alexis Roderick Joel attended the ceremony to show their support for this advancement in endometriosis research.
—Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 20 May 2025
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Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 4 June 2025
In a June 2020 Women's Health cover story, Hough detailed her journey with endometriosis, the reproductive condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing cramping and chronic pain.
—Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 3 June 2025
Here, the researchers focused on three biomarkers that are particularly relevant to women’s health: C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of infection and inflammation; CEA, a marker associated with gynecological cancers; and CA-125, a marker associated with endometriosis.
—Paul McClure 01, New Atlas, 1 June 2025
Both Billy Joel and Alexis Roderick Joel attended the ceremony to show their support for this advancement in endometriosis research.
—Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for endometriosis
Cite this Entry
“Endometriosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endometriosis. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
endometriosis
noun
en·do·me·tri·osis
ˌen-dō-ˌmē-trē-ˈō-səs
plural endometrioses
-ˌsēz
: the presence and growth of tissue similar to endometrium in places other than the uterus and especially in the pelvis and abdomen and that often results in severe pain and infertility
The primary symptoms of endometriosis are pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, backache, dyschezia, dysuria, and infertility.—G. David Adamson, The Journal of the American Medical Association
G. David Adamson, The Journal of the American Medical AssociationAbout 40 percent of infertile women suffer from endometriosis.—Gigi Martino, Science News
see adenomyosis
Gigi Martino, Science NewsLove words? Need even more definitions?
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