fetus

fe-tus · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An unborn offspring of a mammal, especially a human, from the eighth week after conception until birth (after which it becomes a neonate).

  2. 2.

    (Biology) The developing young of an animal in the later stages before birth.

Forms

plural: fetuses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fetal position — a curled-up body position resembling that of a fetus
  • •
    fetal development — the process of growth before birth
  • •
    fetal alcohol syndrome — a condition caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy

Related words

See also: birth, embryo, pregnancy
Synonyms: embryo, unborn child

Etymology

From Latin fetus ("offspring, bringing forth, hatching"), from the root fe- ("to suckle, produce"). The word entered English medical vocabulary in the 14th century.