fetus
UK: ˈfiːtəs | US: ˈfiːtəs
n. an unborn or unhatched offspring of a mammal, particularly a human, in the later stages of development after the embryonic stage.
The word "fetus" originates from Latin fētus, meaning "offspring" or "bringing forth." The root fet- is linked to the idea of bearing young, while the suffix -us is a common Latin noun ending. Over time, the term narrowed in meaning to specifically refer to the later developmental stage of an unborn mammal. The spelling evolved from fētus to "fetus" in English, retaining its core association with growth and birth.
The ultrasound showed a healthy fetus at 20 weeks.
Doctors monitor the fetus's growth throughout pregnancy.
The law protects the rights of the fetus in some jurisdictions.
Nutrients from the mother are vital for the fetus's development.
Researchers studied the effects of stress on the fetus.