fetus

noun

fe·​tus ˈfē-təs 

: 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

None of this diminishes the humanity of a fetus or the anguish of parents confronting a lethal or life-limiting diagnosis. — Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

The force of the collision ripped Ryan’s fetus from her womb and launched Alonzo’s car seat through the air, prosecutors said. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

The prenatal period is when a fetus develops before birth, and the perinatal stage refers to labor, delivery, and the first few days after birth. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2026

Ordinarily, the placenta does a magnificent job of keeping microbes away from a developing fetus. — Mike McRae 24, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for fetus

• foetus
• meatus
• thetis
• treatise
• caritas
• mellitus
• cellulitis
• margaritas
• tonsillitis

Kids Definition

fetus

noun

fe·​tus ˈfēt-əs 

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

ˈfēt-əs 

plural fetuses or chiefly British foetuses or foeti ˈfēt-ˌī 

: 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