adjective / noun

intravenous

in-truh-VEE-nus/ˌɪntrəˈviːnəs/

Placement or administration directly within a vein.

The nurse administers intravenous fluids to help the patient recover.

A close view of a patient's forearm receiving an IV infusion, with a small integrated cutaway revealing the flexible catheter tip inside a superficial vein.

Etymology

intraLatinwithin

+venLatinvein

+ousEnglishrelating to

Intra- places something within the vein, rather than merely describing it as vein-related. The adjective therefore identifies the location of an occurrence or the destination of something administered.

In context

Polimi OpenKnowledge7:19

The purified radiopharmaceutical needs to be injected in biocompatible intravenous fluids. These fluids are designed in such a way that they leave the intravascular space and enter the intercellular spaces

Purification, formulation and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals (Sudeep Das)

More examples

He receives intravenous antibiotics for a serious infection.
The doctor recommends intravenous treatment because she cannot swallow pills.
The nurse starts an intravenous before surgery.

Forms

intravenous · intravenouses

intravenously adverb — Directly into or within a vein.

Similar words

IV: Common abbreviation, often naming the line or treatment itself.
intravascular: Refers to any blood vessel, not just a vein.