fetus

noun

fe·​tus ˈfē-təs 

: an unborn or unhatched vertebrate especially after attaining the basic structural plan of its kind

specifically : a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth compare embryo sense 1a

Examples of fetus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Viability, a term used by health care providers, generally refers to the stage when a fetus could survive outside the uterus, typically after the 21st week of pregnancy. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Hypertension can cause serious complications for both the pregnant person and the fetus. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

Lead exposure can also affect women during pregnancy as lead in bones can be released into blood, which could affect the fetus. —Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 27 Nov. 2024

Now, police not only have to figure out how the fetus died, but locate the mother as well. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, act of bearing young, offspring; akin to Latin fetus newly delivered, fruitful — more at feminine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fetus

noun

fe·​tus ˈfēt-əs 

plural fetuses

: a young animal while in the body of its mother or in the egg especially in the later stages of development

especially : a developing human being in the uterus from usually two months after pregnancy occurs to birth compare embryo sense 1

Medical Definition

fetus

noun

fe·​tus

variants or chiefly British foetus

ˈfēt-əs 

plural fetuses or chiefly British foetuses or foeti ˈfēt-ˌī 

: an unborn or unhatched vertebrate especially after attaining the basic structural plan of its kind

specifically : a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth compare embryo