wet nurse

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Word: Wet Nurse

Definition: A "wet nurse" is a woman who is hired to breastfeed and take care of a baby that is not her own. This usually happens when the baby's mother cannot breastfeed for some reason, such as illness or work commitments.

Usage Instructions:

• "Wet nurse" is a noun, so it is used to name a person.
• You can use it in sentences to describe someone’s role in caring for a baby.

Example Sentence:

• "After giving birth, Maria decided to hire a wet nurse to help care for her baby while she returned to work."

Advanced Usage:

In historical contexts, wet nurses were more common, especially among wealthy families. Nowadays, the term is less frequently used, as many mothers prefer to breastfeed their own children or use formula. However, in discussions about infant care or historical practices, it can still be relevant.

Word Variants:

• Wet Nursing (noun): The practice of breastfeeding someone else's baby.
• Wet-Nurse (verb): To act as a wet nurse or to breastfeed a baby that is not your own.

Different Meanings:

While "wet nurse" specifically refers to breastfeeding, the term can also imply nurturing or caring for someone in a broader sense, though this is less common.

Synonyms:

• Nursemaid (though this can refer to someone who cares for children more generally, not specifically in feeding).
• Foster mother (though this typically means a woman who raises a child not her own, rather than just breastfeeding).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "wet nurse," but the concept of caregiving can be expressed in various ways, such as: - "Nurture someone": To take care of someone and help them grow. - "Breastfeed": To feed a baby with milk directly from the breast.

Summary:

In summary, a "wet nurse" is a woman who breastfeeds another person's baby.

Academic

Noun

1. a woman hired to suckle a child of someone else

Synonyms

• wet-nurse
• wetnurse
• amah