noun
fetus
FEE-tus/ˈfiːtəs/
An unborn mammal developing after the embryonic stage.
The fetus curls inside the uterus, connected to the placenta by its umbilical cord.
Etymology
Latin fetus named the bearing of young and could also name the offspring themselves. English applied it to young still in the womb or egg, tending toward the later stage of development.
In context
after growing for eight weeks the embryo looks more like a tiny human and becomes known as a fetus
More examples
- The fetus receives oxygen and nutrients through the placenta.
- She feels the fetus moving as her pregnancy progresses.
- The veterinarian checks the developing fetuses during the dog's ultrasound.
Forms
fetus · fetuses
fetal adjective — Relating to a fetus or its development.
Similar words
- unborn baby
- Common for a human fetus, but less biologically precise.