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

Marijuana is also extremely dangerous to the fetus in the womb, and later childhood development. —Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 29 June 2025

The law did not ban treatment of ectopic pregnancies, which occur when a fetus implants outside of the uterus and has no room to grow. —Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025

Caplan said there are ethical concerns raised about maintaining artificial breathing and heart function for Smith to help the fetus grow. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 19 June 2025

The case came to investigators’ attention in March when a person provided pictures sent by the daughter showing the fetus, with the umbilical cord attached, lying in a trash bag, prosecutors said. —Kate Linderman, Miami Herald, 13 June 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