Definition of fetus
: 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 1b
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of fetus from the Web
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Now surrogates are almost always contracted to carry a fetus conceived with someone else’s egg and sperm.
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Privy to their scheme but seemingly helpless to intervene, the fetus contemplates questions of bloodlines and love.
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Jeb Bush tried to petition a court to appoint a guardian to the fetus after it was discovered that J.D.S. was pregnant.
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Early medical literature further suggested that the cord could be clamped or tied before cutting, to safeguard the fetus against excessive blood loss until the umbilical blood vessels close up, Schweizer said.
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Parents would be able to name the lost fetus on the new certificate.
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Parents would be able to name the lost fetus on the certificate.
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Many cadavers have been dissected to reveal muscles, bones, nerves and organs — even an unborn fetus.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fetus'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of fetus
Middle English, from Latin, act of bearing young, offspring; akin to Latin fetus newly delivered, fruitful — more at feminine
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Embryology Terms
FETUS Defined for English Language Learners
fetus
playDefinition of fetus for English Language Learners
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: a human being or animal in the later stages of development before it is born
FETUS Defined for Kids
fetus
playDefinition of fetus for Students
: an animal not yet born or hatched but more developed than an embryo
Medical Dictionary
fetus
Medical Definition of fetus
fetuses
or chiefly Britishfoetuses
orfoeti
\ˈfēt-ˌī\play: 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
Learn More about fetus
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See words that rhyme with fetus Spanish Central: Translation of fetus Nglish: Translation of fetus for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of fetus for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fetus
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