noun
conception
The beginning of pregnancy through fertilization.
The diagram shows conception beginning with fertilization.
Etymology
The Latin noun includes taking in and conception. The reproductive use preserves its established application to the beginning of pregnancy rather than the later idea of forming a thought.
More examples
- The chapter discussed conception.
- They asked about the timing of conception.
- The study followed pregnancies from conception.
Forms
conception
Similar words
- fertilization
- The biological joining of reproductive cells more specifically.
- pregnancy
- The ensuing condition rather than its beginning.