fetal

adjective

fe·​tal ˈfē-tᵊl How to pronounce fetal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

Examples of fetal 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.
Possible link to Listeria The chicken dishes could be linked to a possible outbreak strain of listeria which has been associated with three deaths and one fetal loss. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 18 June 2025 In recent years, the hospital also opened an all-in-one fetal care center and its Thompson Autism Center. Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 12 June 2025 And what sets up the initial conditions is the initial shape of the brain when in a fetal state. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 12 June 2025 But patients whose babies have fetal indications are not the only patients who seek third-trimester abortions. Dr. Shelley Sella, Time, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fetal

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetal was in 1736

Cite this Entry

“Fetal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetal. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

fetal

adjective
fe·​tal ˈfēt-ᵊl How to pronounce fetal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

Medical Definition

fetal

adjective
fe·​tal
variants or chiefly British foetal
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

More from Merriam-Webster on fetal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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