decidua

noun

de·​cid·​ua di-ˈsi-jə-wə 

-jü-ə

plural deciduae di-ˈsi-jə-ˌwē 

-jü-ˌē

1

: the part of the endometrium that in higher placental mammals undergoes special modifications in preparation for and during pregnancy and is cast off at parturition

2

: the part of the endometrium cast off in the process of menstruation

decidual

di-ˈsi-jə-wəl 

-jü-əl

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of deciduus

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

decidua

noun

de·​cid·​ua di-ˈsij-ə-wə 

plural deciduae -ˌwē 

1

: the part of the mucous membrane lining the uterus that in higher placental mammals undergoes special modifications in preparation for and during pregnancy and is cast off at parturition, being made up in the human of a part lining the uterus (see decidua parietalis), a part enveloping the embryo (see decidua capsularis), and a part participating with the chorion in the formation of the placenta (see decidua basalis)

2

: the part of the mucous membrane of the uterus cast off in the ordinary process of menstruation

decidual

-ə-wəl 

adjective