secondary intention: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very LowSpecialized/Technical
Quick answer
What does “secondary intention” mean?
In medical contexts: the process by which a wound heals without the edges being stitched or otherwise brought together, instead filling in gradually from the bottom with new tissue (granulation tissue).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In medical contexts: the process by which a wound heals without the edges being stitched or otherwise brought together, instead filling in gradually from the bottom with new tissue (granulation tissue).
By extension: a goal or purpose that is not the primary or stated objective but is achieved as a side-effect or later consequence of an action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the core medical term. The extended metaphorical usage is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Medical: neutral/descriptive. Extended: implies a less direct, perhaps unplanned or inevitable outcome.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language. Exclusively found in medical/surgical texts or in sophisticated analytical prose.
Grammar
How to Use “secondary intention” in a Sentence
[wound/ulcer] + [heals/is left to heal/managed] + by secondary intentionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secondary intention” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The surgical wound was suitable for secondary intention healing.
- We opted for a secondary intention approach to minimise scarring.
American English
- The abscess cavity was packed and left for secondary intention healing.
- Secondary intention closure is often preferred for contaminated wounds.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical literature. Metaphorically, possibly in legal, political, or philosophical analysis (e.g., 'The secondary intention of the policy was to increase voter engagement').
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in surgery, wound care, and dermatology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secondary intention”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secondary intention”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secondary intention”
- Using it to mean 'hidden agenda' (which is more 'ulterior motive').
- Confusing it with 'secondary purpose'. While related, 'secondary intention' in its extended sense carries a nuance of being a consequential result of the primary action's process, not just a separate, lesser goal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialist medical term. Most people outside healthcare professions will not know it. Its metaphorical use is very rare and academic.
It is not recommended. 'Ulterior motive' is the standard phrase for a hidden agenda. The extended sense of 'secondary intention' refers more to an outcome that is a natural, often slower, consequence of the main action, not necessarily a secret one.
The direct opposite is 'primary intention' or 'primary closure', where a wound's edges are brought together (e.g., with stitches, staples, or glue) to heal directly.
Because it is a perfect example of a highly specific term that has spawned a metaphorical extension. Understanding such terms enriches comprehension of advanced texts and demonstrates how technical language can influence general discourse.
In medical contexts: the process by which a wound heals without the edges being stitched or otherwise brought together, instead filling in gradually from the bottom with new tissue (granulation tissue).
Secondary intention is usually specialized/technical in register.
Secondary intention: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənd(ə)ri ɪnˈtɛnʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənˌdɛri ɪnˈtɛnʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'second' plan or way to heal: not the primary stitch-up (intention), but the body's secondary backup plan to fill the gap.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY WITH A DETOUR (The primary route/intention is closed; healing/reaching the goal happens via a slower, less direct secondary path).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'secondary intention' most precisely and correctly used?