D&C

1 of 2

noun

ˈdē-ən(d)-ˈsē How to pronounce D&C (audio)
variants or D and C
plural D&Cs or D and Cs
: a medical procedure in which the uterine cervix is dilated and a curette is inserted into the uterus to scrape away the endometrium (as for the diagnosis or treatment of abnormal bleeding or for surgical abortion during the early part of the second trimester of pregnancy) : dilation and curettage

DC

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
[Italian da capo] from the beginning
2
decimal classification
3
direct current
4
District of Columbia
5
doctor of chiropractic
6
double crochet

Examples of D&C 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.
Noun
Her recommendation was the pill—the D&C could occasionally lead to scarring—but the choice was mine. — Ashley Parker, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025 In those cases, some doctors have left women bleeding and in pain instead of offering a D&C, a procedure that can prevent hemorrhage. — Cassandra Jaramillo, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026 In those cases, some doctors have left women bleeding and in pain instead of offering a D&C, a procedure that can prevent hemorrhage. — Cassandra Jaramillo, ProPublica, 5 Feb. 2026 Any doctors who violate the law face up to 99 years in prison, which has led many medical professionals to avoid the D&C even in cases of miscarriage, out of fear of punishment. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for D&C

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of D&C was in 1960

Browse Nearby Words

DBS
D&C
DC
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“D&C.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/D%26C. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

D&C

1 of 2 noun
variants or D and C
ˈdē-ən(d)-ˈsē How to pronounce D&C (audio)
: a medical procedure in which the uterine cervix is dilated and a curette is inserted into the uterus to scrape away the endometrium (as for the diagnosis or treatment of abnormal bleeding or for surgical abortion during the early part of the second trimester of pregnancy) : dilation and curettage

DC

2 of 2 abbreviation
1
Dental Corps
2
diagnostic center
3
direct current
4
doctor of chiropractic

Legal Definition

D.C.

abbreviation
district court
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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