Acting as a substitute; occurring in an abnormal situation. [L. vicarius, from vicis, supplying place of]
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vi·car·i·ous vī-'ker-ē-əs, və-, -'kar- adj occurring in an unexpected or abnormal part of the body instead of the usual one <bleeding from the gums sometimes occurs in the absence of the normal discharge from the uterus in \vicarious menstruation>
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adj.
describing an action or function performed by an organ not normally involved in the function. For example, vicarious menstruation is a rare disorder in which monthly bleeding occurs from places other than the vagina, such as the sweat glands, breasts, nose, or eyes.
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vi·car·i·ous (vi-karґe-əs) [L. vicarius] 1. acting in the place of another or of something else. 2. occurring at an abnormal site.Medical dictionary. 2011.