fetus

noun

fe·​tus ˈfē-təs How to pronounce fetus (audio)
: 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
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.
Isla died after the healthy, viable fetus in the 22nd week of gestation had no oxygen when the placenta tore and bled as a result of the crash, according to the suit. Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025 Still, Moser stresses that this work does not indicate that a fetus is conscious. Christian Wolf, Scientific American, 25 June 2025 My job is to present all of the imperfect but ethically permissible options, and their implications for the fetus, to the person in front of me. Christine Henneberg, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025 Marijuana is also extremely dangerous to the fetus in the womb, and later childhood development. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fetus

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetus was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fetus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetus. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fetus

noun
fe·​tus ˈfēt-əs How to pronounce fetus (audio)
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
plural fetuses or chiefly British foetuses or foeti ˈfēt-ˌī How to pronounce fetus (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on fetus

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