WordValeintravenous
administered directly into a vein
In more detail
1. (adjective) introduced directly into a vein, usually by injection; relating to treatment given through a vein
2. (adjective) used to describe a needle, tube, or other medical device that goes into a vein
Examples
- 1. The patient received intravenous fluids to stay hydrated during surgery.
- 2. The nurse inserted an intravenous line to deliver the medication directly into the bloodstream.
How to use intravenous
Intravenous is a formal medical term used in healthcare settings to describe any treatment, drug, or fluid delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein. It is more precise and clinical than casual expressions, and is the standard term in medical contexts, patient education, and professional communication. The abbreviation IV is extremely common in spoken and written medical contexts and is often preferred in clinical shorthand.
Common phrases
- intravenous injection
- intravenous drip
- intravenous line
- intravenous therapy
- intravenous fluids
- intravenous medication
Synonyms
IV · intravenous injection · administered intravenously
Opposites
oral · intramuscular · subcutaneous
Word family
intravenously (adverb) · IV (noun, informal abbreviation)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse intravenous with other routes of administration such as intramuscular or subcutaneous, or fail to recognize that IV is the standard abbreviated form used even in formal medical writing.
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