contraceptive pill

noun

plural contraceptive pills

: any of various preparations that typically contain a progestin either alone or in combination with an estrogen, are taken orally especially on a daily basis, and act as contraceptives (see contraceptive entry 1) by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or thinning uterine lining : birth control pill

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

contraceptive pill

noun

: any of various preparations that typically contain a progestin (such as norethindrone or levonorgestrel) either alone or in combination with an estrogen (such as ethinyl estradiol or mestranol), are taken orally especially on a daily basis, and act as contraceptives (see contraceptive entry 1) by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or thinning uterine lining : birth control pill