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puerperal

adjective pu·er·per·al \ pyü-ˈər-p(ə-)rəl \

Definition of puerperal

: of, relating to, or occurring during childbirth or the period immediately following
  • puerperal infection
  • puerperal depression

Recent Examples of puerperal from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of puerperal

Latin puerpera woman in childbirth, from puer child + parere to give birth to — more at pare

Medical Dictionary

puerperal

adjective pu·er·per·al \ pyü-ˈər-p(ə-)rəl \

medical Definition of puerperal

: of, relating to, or occurring during childbirth or the period immediately following
  • puerperal infection
  • puerperal depression

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