parturition

noun

par·tu·ri·tion ˌpär-chə-ˈri-shən

ˌpär-tyu̇-,

ˌpär-tə-

Synonyms of parturition next

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

Example Sentences

parturition can sometimes proceed more quickly than anticipated

Recent Examples on the Web The process of parturition can be considered as equivalent to cosmonaut's/astronaut's transition from microgravitation back to Earth gravitation (G=1) during landing. —

Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2013 Few women can relate to platformed parturition, but most understand Ms. Haart’s quest for comfort. —

Katharine K. Zarrella, WSJ, 27 Oct. 2021 His mother paced the spacious birthing stall, working off the pains of parturition, with half the placenta, neatly tied up by an attending stable hand, still hanging out of her. —

William Finnegan, The New Yorker, 15 May 2021 The main event—parturition—has yet to happen, but we are alerted to the Virgin’s readiness for it. —

Willard Spiegelman, WSJ, 12 Oct. 2018 Their physical needs were considered to be concerned only with conception and parturition. —

Longreads, 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, 10 Mar. 2017 See More

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.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of parturition was in 1646

See more words from the same year