fetus

noun

fe·​tus ˈfē-təs 

: an unborn or unhatched vertebrate especially after attaining the basic structural plan of its kind

specifically : a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth compare embryo sense 1a

Examples of fetus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The amendment will allow lawmakers to restrict abortions only past the point of a fetus’s viability. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024

The state will now permit abortions until a fetus can survive outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks into a pregnancy, with exceptions to save the mother's life or protect her body. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024

But doctors said her six-month fetus had a heartbeat and that Crain was fine to leave. —Lizzie Presser and Kavitha Surana, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024

But doctors said her fetus had a heartbeat and that Crain was fine to leave. —ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, act of bearing young, offspring; akin to Latin fetus newly delivered, fruitful — more at feminine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fetus

noun

fe·​tus ˈfēt-əs 

plural fetuses

: a young animal while in the body of its mother or in the egg especially in the later stages of development

especially : a developing human being in the uterus from usually two months after pregnancy occurs to birth compare embryo sense 1

Medical Definition

fetus

noun

fe·​tus

variants or chiefly British foetus

ˈfēt-əs 

plural fetuses or chiefly British foetuses or foeti ˈfēt-ˌī 

: an unborn or unhatched vertebrate especially after attaining the basic structural plan of its kind

specifically : a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth compare embryo