Langimage
English

fetus

|fe-tus|

B2

/ˈfiːtəs/

unborn offspring

Etymology
Etymology Information

'fetus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'fētus', where 'fētus' meant 'offspring' or 'bringing forth'.

Historical Evolution

'fētus' changed from the Latin word 'fētus' and eventually became the modern English word 'fetus'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'offspring' or 'bringing forth', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an unborn offspring of a mammal'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an unborn offspring of a mammal, in particular an unborn human baby more than eight weeks after conception.

The ultrasound showed the fetus was developing normally.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/15 09:04