ectopic

adjective

ec·​top·​ic ek-ˈtä-pik How to pronounce ectopic (audio)
: occurring in an abnormal position or in an unusual manner or form
ectopic lesions
ectopically adverb

Examples of ectopic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The problem is that a single ultrasound usually can't determine whether a pregnancy is ectopic. Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 24 June 2026 With another piece of paper indicating her pregnancy was not ectopic, though, Hall had left the clinic thinking that concern didn’t apply to her. Emily Brindley health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026 Narrow medical exceptions exist for ectopic and molar pregnancies, but not fatal fetal diagnoses. Vivian Jones, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026 Once inside the lymph node, the liver cells induce it to start growing a miniature version of a liver, called an ectopic organ, which has the same function as the original. Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 Exercise interventions, including aerobic activities like walking, can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce ectopic fat. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025 The complaint states that on February 17, Thurman first went to her hometown emergency room after testing positive on a pregnancy test and under the guidance of her OBGYN, who suspected based on her heavy bleeding that the pregnancy was ectopic. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 19 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek ektopos out of place, from ex- out + topos place

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ectopic was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ectopic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ectopic. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

ectopic

adjective
ec·​top·​ic ek-ˈtäp-ik How to pronounce ectopic (audio)
1
: occurring in an abnormal position
an ectopic kidney
compare entopic
2
: originating in an area of the heart other than the sinoatrial node
ectopic beats
also : initiating ectopic heartbeats
an ectopic pacemaker
ectopically adverb
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