obstetric

[ uhb-ste-trik ]

adjective
  1. of or relating to the care and treatment of women in childbirth and during the period before and after delivery.

  2. of or relating to childbirth or obstetrics. Abbreviations: OB, ob

Origin of obstetric

1
First recorded in 1735–45; from New Latin obstetrīcus “pertaining to a midwife,” alteration of Latin obstetrīcius, derivative of obstetrīx, equivalent to ob- ob- + ste- (combining form of stāre to stand) + -trīx -trix
  • Also ob·stet·ri·cal [uhb-ste-tri-kuhl] /əbˈstɛ trɪ kəl/ .

Other words from obstetric

  • ob·stet·ri·cal·ly, adverb
  • non·ob·stet·ric, adjective
  • non·ob·stet·ri·cal, adjective
  • non·ob·stet·ri·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use obstetric in a sentence

  • The most delicate and beautiful obstetrical instruments were invented by Madame Boivin.

  • Just then, even Doctor Smyth of the neighborhood practice and obstetrical habits seemed a miracle-worker.

    The Job | Sinclair Lewis
  • In reply, he asked me to visit a house which had been made over into an obstetrical hospital for Belgian nuns.

    Golden Lads | Arthur Gleason and Helen Hayes Gleason
  • Much speculation with Bea: Had the obstetrical case taken longer than he had expected?

    Main Street | Sinclair Lewis
  • Mrs. Stiver is busy with an obstetrical case, and that town nurse of yours is off on vacation, ain't she?

    Main Street | Sinclair Lewis

British Dictionary definitions for obstetric

obstetric

obstetrical

/ (ɒbˈstɛtrɪk) /


adjective
  1. of or relating to childbirth or obstetrics

Origin of obstetric

1
C18: via New Latin from Latin obstetrīcius, from obstetrix a midwife, literally: woman who stands opposite, from obstāre to stand in front of; see obstacle

Derived forms of obstetric

  • obstetrically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012