fetal

adjective

fe·​tal ˈfē-tᵊl How to pronounce fetal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

Examples of fetal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In one case, a pregnant woman experienced fetal loss as a result of a related infection. Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025 She was given the option to terminate the pregnancy or to be transferred to the labor & delivery unit at Kaiser Roseville, where she could be stabilized and monitored until 22 weeks, the point of fetal viability. Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Teams working in neonatal and fetal medicine are focused on a practical goal. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025 Some studies have shown that use of the medication at various stages of pregnancy can impact the fetal kidneys and the possibility of high blood pressure in the lungs, preterm delivery or low birth weight. Max Rego, The Hill, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fetal

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetal was in 1736

Cite this Entry

“Fetal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetal. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

fetal

adjective
fe·​tal ˈfēt-ᵊl How to pronounce fetal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

Medical Definition

fetal

adjective
fe·​tal
variants or chiefly British foetal
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

More from Merriam-Webster on fetal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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