miscarriage

[mis-kar-ij, mis-kar-ij]

noun

1. the expulsion of a fetus before it is viable, especially between the third and seventh months of pregnancy; spontaneous abortion.

2. failure to attain the just, right, or desired result.

   a miscarriage of justice.

3. failure of something sent, as a letter, to reach its destination.

4. Chiefly British.,  transportation of goods not in accordance with the contract of shipment.

miscarriage

/ mɪsˈkærɪdʒ /

noun

1. spontaneous expulsion of a fetus from the womb, esp prior to the 20th week of pregnancy

2. an act of mismanagement or failure

   a miscarriage of justice

3. the failure of freight to reach its destination

miscarriage

1. The premature, spontaneous expulsion of the products of pregnancy from the uterus, usually in the first trimester.

2. Also called spontaneous abortion

miscarriage

1. A spontaneous and premature expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is capable of surviving on its own.

Generally, a miscarriage is a failure to achieve a desired end, as in a miscarriage of justice.

Word History and Origins

Origin of miscarriage¹

First recorded in 1605–15; mis- ¹ + carriage

Example Sentences

She was diagnosed with a ruptured fallopian tube after suffering a miscarriage, which required surgery "within the hour".

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Dr Griffiths said pregnant women with adenomyosis also had a much higher rate of miscarriage, premature births and issues like pre-eclampsia, but that risks could be well managed with increased monitoring by healthcare professionals.

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Untreated fevers in pregnant women also poses a danger and has been linked to a host of adverse consequences for maternal and foetal health, including miscarriages, pre-term births and birth defects.

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In fact, studies show that untreated fever in pregnancy is associated with higher risk of heart and facial birth defects, miscarriage and neurodevelopmental disorders — including autism.

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However, the Law Society of Scotland has argued that its removal risks an increase in miscarriages of justice.

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Related Words

• abortion 
• mishap