parous

1 of 2

adjective

par·​ous ˈper-əs How to pronounce parous (audio)
: having produced offspring

-parous

2 of 2

adjective combining form

: giving birth to : producing
multiparous

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

generalized from -parous in compounds, as an antonym of nulliparous

Adjective combining form

borrowed from Latin -parus, adjective derivative of parere "to give birth to, bring into being" — more at parturient entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parous was circa 1889

Dictionary Entries Near parous

Cite this Entry

“Parous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parous. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

parous

adjective
par·​ous ˈpar-əs How to pronounce parous (audio)
1
: having produced offspring
2
: of or characteristic of the parous female
parous relaxation of the vaginal outletW. H. Masters & V. E. Johnson
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