noun
neonate
NEE-oh-nayt/ˈniːəʊneɪt/
A newborn infant, especially in the first four weeks of life.
The neonate rests on its back in the clear hospital bassinet.
Etymology
The elements combine as “newly born,” with the birth verb supplying its “born” form. The name identifies an infant by how recently birth occurred.
In context
A neonate presents with fever. She is noted to be very irritable and a sepsis workup is initiated.
More examples
- Neonates need frequent feeding throughout the day and night.
- The doctor examines the two-day-old neonate.
- The hospital provides specialized care for premature neonates.
Forms
neonate · neonates
neonatal adjective — Relating to the first weeks after birth.
Similar words
- newborn
- Less technical; can also refer to a newly born animal.
- infant
- Covers a longer period, usually the first year of life.