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parturition

noun
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par·​tu·​ri·​tion | \ ˌpär-chə-ˈri-shən How to pronounce parturition (audio) , ˌpär-tyu̇-, ˌpär-tə- How to pronounce parturition (audio) \

Definition of parturition

: the action or process of giving birth to offspring : childbirth
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Examples of parturition in a Sentence

parturition can sometimes proceed more quickly than anticipated
Recent Examples on the Web The main event—parturition—has yet to happen, but we are alerted to the Virgin’s readiness for it. — Willard Spiegelman, WSJ, "On the Brink of the Savior’s Arrival," 12 Oct. 2018 Their physical needs were considered to be concerned only with conception and parturition. — Longreads, "The Roaring Girls of Queer London," 8 May 2018 The modesty costumes worn by the women of Gilead are derived from Western religious iconography — the Wives wear the blue of purity, from the Virgin Mary; the Handmaids wear red, from the blood of parturition, but also from Mary Magdalene. — Margaret Atwood, New York Times, "Margaret Atwood on What ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Means in the Age of Trump," 10 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'parturition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of parturition

1646, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for parturition

borrowed from Medieval Latin parturītiōn-, parturītiō "act of giving birth" (Late Latin, "bringing forth, travail"), from Latin parturīre "to be in labor, be ready to give birth" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at parturient

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Time Traveler for parturition

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The first known use of parturition was in 1646

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Cite this Entry

“Parturition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parturition. Accessed 25 Oct. 2020.

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More Definitions for parturition

parturition

noun
par·​tu·​ri·​tion | \ ˌpärt-ə-ˈrish-ən How to pronounce parturition (audio) , ˌpär-chə- How to pronounce parturition (audio) , ˌpär-tyu̇- How to pronounce parturition (audio) \

Medical Definition of parturition

: the action or process of giving birth to offspring : childbirth

Other Words from parturition

parturitional \ -​əl How to pronounce parturitional (audio) \ adjective

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