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

Test the family, test the fetus and, when possible, correct the mutation before birth rather than accept avoidable harm. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

At her first sonogram while pregnant with her son, Sallie Bennett said technicians thought there was a problem with her amniotic sac, but later pivoted to an issue with the fetus’ left hand. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2026

On April 13, 2003, a fetus later identified as Conner washed ashore from the San Francisco Bay. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026

After Dobbs, however, activists intensified efforts to extend legal rights to embryos and fetuses. — Risa Cromer, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

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

Rhymes for fetus

• foetus
• meatus
• thetis
• treatise
• caritas
• mellitus
• cellulitis
• margaritas
• tonsillitis

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