fetus
noun
fe·tus
| \ ˈfē-təs
\
\
Definition of fetus
: 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
The only abortions performed by a medical professional that are outlawed in California, and thus not eligible for insurance coverage, are those performed after a fetus is viable. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, "Column: Bucking federal policy, California court blocks church attack on abortion coverage," 22 Aug. 2019 But some opponents of recreational marijuana who think the science is settled have complained to the university and the federal government, calling it bogus research that endorses drug use and needlessly endangers fetuses. — Lindsey Tanner, BostonGlobe.com, "Is pot safe when pregnant? Study seeks answer, draws critics," 7 Aug. 2019 But some opponents of recreational marijuana who think the science is settled have complained to the university and the federal government, calling it bogus research that endorses drug use and needlessly endangers fetuses. — Washington Post, "Is pot safe when pregnant? Study seeks answer, draws critics," 7 Aug. 2019 The team of doctors performed the surgery in February, when the fetus was at 23 weeks gestation. — Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, "Cleveland Clinic performs its first fetal surgery to repair spina bifida," 20 June 2019 Also, carrying a fetus doesn't make someone's body public fare. — Brittney Mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "Camila Cabello Clapped Back at People Asking if She Was Pregnant Because of an Instagram Photo," 26 Oct. 2018 The new law does not apply to lawful abortions or to the pregnant woman carrying the fetus. — Arika Herron, Indianapolis Star, "Gas tax hike, sex ed and eyeball tattooing: here are the new laws taking effect July 1," 29 June 2018 Federal law allows states to prohibit abortions after fetuses are viable outside the womb, which can be from 24 to 28 weeks. — NBC News, "Missouri abortion law should be blocked, Planned Parenthood tells judge," 26 Aug. 2019 Federal law allows states to prohibit abortions after fetuses are viable outside the womb, which can be from 24 to 28 weeks. — Washington Post, "Planned Parenthood asks judge to pause Missouri abortion law," 26 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fetus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for fetus
fetus
noun
English Language Learners Definition of fetus
: a human being or animal in the later stages of development before it is born
See the full definition for fetus in the English Language Learners Dictionary
fetus
noun
fe·tus
| \ ˈfē-təs
\
\
Kids Definition of fetus
: an animal not yet born or hatched but more developed than an embryo
fetus
noun
fe·tus
variants:
or chiefly British foetus \ ˈfēt-əs
\
\
plural fetuses
or chiefly British foetuses
or foeti\ ˈfēt-ˌī
\
\
Medical Definition of fetus
: 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
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