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

Pregnancy and childbirth are other risk factors for iron deficiency, because the fetus will absorb a significant amount of iron in the body. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024

In such cases, service members either have to pay out of pocket for abortions or carry to term fetuses that won’t survive outside the womb. —Erin Edwards, ProPublica, 13 Dec. 2024

It is not known if topical retinoids could pose danger to a fetus, but most dermatologists and OBGYNs don’t believe the risk is worth taking and recommend avoiding all retinoids—even weaker versions sold over the counter in the U.S.—during pregnancy. —Jasmine Browley, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024

In some cases, doctors must terminate a pregnancy to save the patient's life, particularly when the fetus cannot survive. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 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