fetal

adjective

fe·​tal ˈfē-tᵊl How to pronounce fetal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

Examples of fetal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And as with Zika, a mother can transmit the virus to the fetus during pregnancy — which can lead to birth defects and even fetal death. Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024 Neither policy makes an exception for fatal fetal abnormalities. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 The law relies on fetal viability as a major distinction. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Nevada currently allows abortions through 24 weeks, but the ballot initiative passed on Tuesday would extend that until fetal viability. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fetal 

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetal was in 1736

Dictionary Entries Near fetal

Cite this Entry

“Fetal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetal. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fetal

adjective
fe·​tal ˈfēt-ᵊl How to pronounce fetal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

Medical Definition

fetal

adjective
fe·​tal
variants or chiefly British foetal
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

More from Merriam-Webster on fetal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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