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dystocia

noun
dys·​to·​cia | \ dis-ˈtō-sh(ē-)ə How to pronounce dystocia (audio) \

Definition of dystocia

: slow or difficult labor or delivery

Examples of dystocia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Complications like shoulder dystocia are rare in obstetrics. — Adam Wolfberg, The Atlantic, "The Doctor Who Revolutionized Hospital-Birth Safety," 26 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dystocia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of dystocia

circa 1706, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for dystocia

New Latin, from Greek dystokia, from dys- + tokos childbirth; akin to Greek tiktein to give birth to — more at thane

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More Definitions for dystocia

dystocia

noun
dys·​to·​cia | \ dis-ˈtō-sh(ē-)ə How to pronounce dystocia (audio) \
variants: or dystokia \ -​ˈtō-​kē-​ə How to pronounce dystokia (audio) \

Medical Definition of dystocia

: slow or difficult labor or delivery — compare eutocia

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