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

The discovery of two fetuses on a public bus in Baltimore over the weekend has homicide detectives investigating, according to reports. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 3 June 2024

Previous estimates were lower because scientists generally assumed that most of the energy involved in reproduction wound up stored in the fetus, which is relatively small. —Carl Zimmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2024

Her fetus had been diagnosed with a fatal condition and had died in her womb. —Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 20 May 2024

Rabbinic Judaism does not regard the fetus as a full human being. —Baltimore Sun Media, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 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