Definition

1. Noun:
   • An unborn or unhatched vertebrate in the later stages of development: A "fetus" is a developing mammal, bird, or other vertebrate after the major structures have formed, typically from the eighth week after conception in humans until birth. It shows the main recognizable features of the mature animal.

Usage

• The word "fetus" is a standard scientific and medical term used to describe a specific stage of prenatal development. It is used in formal, clinical, and biological contexts.
• It is important to use this term accurately, as it refers to a later developmental stage, distinct from an "embryo."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The ultrasound showed a healthy, growing fetus.
  • Researchers studied the effects of nutrition on fetal development.
  • The law protects the rights of the pregnant person and the fetus.

Advanced Usage

• "Fetal" (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of a fetus.
  • Fetal heartbeat (the heartbeat of a fetus).
  • Fetal position (a body position resembling that of a fetus in the womb).
• "Fetology" (noun): The branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of the fetus.

Variants and Related Words

• Foetus: A chiefly British English variant spelling of "fetus."
• Fetal (adj): Of, relating to, or being a fetus.
• Feticide (n): The act of causing the death of a fetus.
• Fetoprotein (n): A fetal protein that can be detected in amniotic fluid and maternal blood.

Synonyms

• Unborn child: A common, less technical term often used in general discourse.
• Gestate (verb): To carry a fetus in the womb during pregnancy.

Antonyms

• Embryo: An organism in the early stages of growth and differentiation, from fertilization to the beginning of the third month of pregnancy in humans.
• Newborn: A recently born child.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Fetus in fetu: A rare developmental abnormality where a malformed fetus is found within the body of its twin.
• Fetal alcohol syndrome: A condition in a child resulting from alcohol exposure during the mother's pregnancy.
• Fetal distress: Signs before or during childbirth indicating the fetus is not well.

Noun

1. an unborn or unhatched vertebrate in the later stages of development showing the main recognizable features of the mature animal