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

For pregnant women in Gaza, the stress of trying to survive attacks coupled with food and water shortages could weaken the immune system, harm the fetus, and lead to preterm birth, HRW said. —Ibrahim Dahman, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025

The doctors informed her that the fetus was nonviable and would die, either before or shortly after delivery, the lawsuit said. —Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 15 Jan. 2025

The heart takes on additional stress during pregnancy, and properly managing heart conditions is crucial to the health of the pregnant person and fetus. —Patty Weasler, Rn, Bsn, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025

The fetus was female, according to the Bexar County medical examiner. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 26 Dec. 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