amniotic fluid

American  

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. the watery fluid in the amnion, in which the embryo is suspended.

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amniotic fluid British  

noun

1. the fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb

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amniotic fluid Scientific  

/ ăm′nē-ŏt′ĭk /

1. The watery fluid within the amnion that surrounds the fetus. Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus from injury, allows movement, and helps to stabilize temperature. The composition of the fluid changes over the course of gestation. Initially, amniotic fluid is similar to maternal plasma. As the fetus develops, phospholipids originating from the lungs, fetal cells, lanugo, and urine are deposited in the fluid.

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amniotic fluid Cultural  

1. The fluid, resembling salt water, contained in the amniotic sac; the embryo or fetus floats in the amniotic fluid.

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Example Sentences

Izabela, 30, was at a hospital in Pszczyna, in southern Poland, after her amniotic fluid broke.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

"I'm frightened that I could have a premature birth at any time and that my amniotic fluid isn't enough for the baby to grow in," she tells the BBC.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025

Hailey was rushed to the intensive care unit, but hospital staff soon delivered the devastating news: She had died from amniotic fluid embolism, a complication Okula had never heard of before.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2025

Eventually, I was so dehydrated that my amniotic fluid levels were low and so doctors induced me to go into labor.

From Slate • Sep. 15, 2024

Inside the womb, the baby hears the mother’s heartbeat, the rushing sound of amniotic fluid and the mother’s voice.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin