fetus

noun fe·tus \ˈfē-təs\

: a human being or animal in the later stages of development before it is born

Full 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 1b

See fetus defined for English-language learners

See fetus defined for kids

Origin of FETUS

Middle English, from Latin, act of bearing young, offspring; akin to Latin fetus newly delivered, fruitful — more at feminine

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Embryology Terms

gravid, neonate, ontogeny, parturition

Rhymes with FETUS

Cetus, Thetis

FETUS Defined for Kids

fetus

noun fe·tus \ˈfē-təs\

Definition of FETUS for Kids

: an animal not yet born or hatched but more developed than an embryo

Medical Dictionary

fetus

noun fe·tus

plural fe·tus·es or chiefly British foe·tus·es or foe·ti \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