fetal

adjective

fe·​tal ˈfē-tᵊl 

: of, relating to, or being a fetus

Examples of fetal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As sequencing costs continue to fall and analytic tools continue to improve, the case for a comprehensive read of the fetal genome grows stronger with every study like this one. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Though experts don't know why animals are born with short spine syndrome, the disorder occurs when an animal's vertebrae don't develop into bone during the fetal stage of development, according to Petco. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Pediatric behavioral health specialists who take care of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, report receiving dismal reimbursement despite being in high demand. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 14 July 2026

The one before voters, unlike the previous ban, would allow exceptions in the cases of medical emergencies and fetal anomalies. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fetal

• fetal alcohol syndrome
• fetal hemoglobin
• fetal position

Rhymes for fetal

• beetle
• foetal
• centripetal
• decretal
• varietal

Kids Definition

fetal

adjective

fe·​tal ˈfēt-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or being a fetus

Medical Definition

fetal

adjective

fe·​tal

variants or chiefly British foetal

ˈfēt-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or being a fetus