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

Smith is now 21 weeks pregnant and on life support, which keeps her breathing and appears to be sustaining her fetus. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025

Doctors have reportedly told her family that under Georgia's heartbeat law, they are legally required to maintain life support until the fetus reaches viability. —Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

Mercury is especially toxic to pregnant women, fetuses and children in early ages, according to the World Health Organization, and is commonly ingested through fish and other seafood. —Lindsey Choo, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Considered one of the top ten chemicals of public health concern by the World Health Organization, mercury can cause serious medical issues, distinctly for developing fetuses during pregnancy. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 2 May 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