obstetricate

verb

ob·​stet·​ri·​cate
-ed/-ing/-s

intransitive verb

archaic : to function as a midwife

transitive verb

obsolete : to attend (a woman) as a midwife at childbirth

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin obstetricatus, past participle of obstetricare to act as midwife, from Latin obstetric-, obstetrix midwife

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near obstetricate

Cite this Entry

“Obstetricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obstetricate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!