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

Pregnancy and lactation: Consuming too much soy during pregnancy may pose risks due to potential harm to the fetus from soy's estrogen-like compounds. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025

The placenta provides nutrients to the fetus to develop in the womb, protecting the baby from the outside world until they are fully developed. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2025

Through the umbilical cord, the placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to a developing fetus. —Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Isla died after the healthy, viable fetus in the 22nd week of gestation had no oxygen when the placenta tore and bled as a result of the crash, according to the suit. —Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025

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
• civitas
• 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