Definition of Intravenous (IV)

Intravenous (IV): 1) Into a vein. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are a solution containing antibiotics that is administered directly into the venous circulation via a syringe or intravenous catheter (tube). 2) The actual solution that is administered intravenously. 3) The device used to administer an intravenous solution, such as the familiar IV drip used to slowly drip a bag of electrolyte solution into a dehydrated patient through a tiny plastic tube inserted directly into a vein.