afterpains
|af-ter-pains|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈæftərˌpeɪnz/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːftəˌpeɪnz/
(afterpain)
post-childbirth discomfort
Etymology
Etymology Information
'afterpain' originates from Middle English, combining 'after' meaning 'following' and 'pain' meaning 'physical suffering'.
Historical Evolution
'afterpain' changed from the Middle English word 'afterpeine' and eventually became the modern English word 'afterpain'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'pain following an event', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'pain after childbirth'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
pain that occurs after childbirth as the uterus contracts back to its normal size.
The new mother experienced afterpains for several days.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/26 20:21