parenteral

adjective

par·​en·​ter·​al pə-ˈren-tə-rəl How to pronounce parenteral (audio)
: situated or occurring outside the intestine
especially : introduced otherwise than by way of the intestines
parenterally adverb

Examples of parenteral 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.
Since she was officially diagnosed two years ago, she's had to switch to feeding through total parenteral nutrition (TPN), meaning her nutrition is delivered through a central vein that stops near her heart. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 During the stay, Laura is alleged to have discussed obtaining total parenteral nutrition (TPN) — intravenous feeding that requires placing a central line — for her son. Maya Rosenberg, NBC news, 5 Apr. 2026 The mother allegedly also asked for hospice services and total parenteral nutrition, which is delivered intravenously and bypasses the digestive system. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026 Today, Paloma Quatrini survives thanks to a treatment called total parenteral nutrition, which delivers nutrients directly into her bloodstream through a central line. Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026 Bolsonaro continues to receive parenteral nutrition and undergo physical therapy and preventive measures for thrombosis. Gabriela Sá Pessoa, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary para- + enteral

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parenteral was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

parenteral

1 of 2 adjective
par·​en·​ter·​al pə-ˈrent-ə-rəl How to pronounce parenteral (audio)
: situated or occurring outside the intestine
parenteral drug administration by intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection
especially : introduced otherwise than by way of the intestines
enteric versus parenteral feeding
parenterally adverb

parenteral

2 of 2 noun
: an agent (as a drug or solution) intended for parenteral administration
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