fetus Definition
the unborn young of a mammal, especially an unborn human baby more than eight weeks after conception.
Using fetus: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fetus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The fetus was healthy and growing normally.
Example
The mother's diet can affect the development of the fetus.
Example
The fetus is protected by the amniotic sac and the placenta.
fetus Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for fetus
- embryo
- unborn child
- gestating young
Phrases with fetus
a curled-up position in which the body is bent forward and the limbs are brought in close to the chest, resembling the position of a fetus in the womb
Example
She slept in the fetal position, with her knees drawn up to her chest.
a group of birth defects caused by the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy, including physical abnormalities and cognitive and behavioral problems
Example
The child was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome due to the mother's heavy drinking during pregnancy.
fetal heartbeat
the sound of the unborn baby's heart as detected by ultrasound or other monitoring devices
Example
The doctor listened to the fetal heartbeat during the prenatal checkup.
Origins of fetus
from Latin 'fētus', meaning 'offspring'
Summary: fetus in Brief
The term 'fetus' [fee-tuh s] refers to the unborn young of a mammal, particularly an unborn human baby beyond eight weeks after conception. It is protected by the amniotic sac and placenta, and the mother's diet can affect its development. The phrase 'fetal position' describes a curled-up posture, while 'fetal alcohol syndrome' denotes birth defects caused by maternal alcohol consumption. 'Fetal heartbeat' refers to the sound of the baby's heart detected by monitoring devices.