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conceptus

American  
[kuhn-sep-tuhs] / kənˈsɛp təs /

noun

plural

conceptuses
  1. the embryo and associated membranes of humans and other highly developed animals.


Etymology

Origin of conceptus

1935–40; < New Latin; Latin: the action of conceiving, hence, something that is conceived, fetus, embryo, equivalent to concep- (variant stem of concipere to conceive; concept ) + -tus suffix of v. action

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rarely, an egg or a sperm might actually carry more than one chromosome, so the conceptus ends up with more than just a pair of sex chromosomes.

From Scientific American • Jul. 27, 2013

At this developmental stage, the conceptus is referred to as a blastocyst.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Once inside the uterus, the conceptus floats freely for several more days.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

And for superfetation to occur, the conceptus needs to implant in a pregnant uterus.

From Scientific American • Apr. 27, 2011

Per substantiam intelligo id, quod in se est et per se concipitur; hoc est id, cujus conceptus non indiget conceptu alterius rei, a quo formari debeat.

From History of Modern Philosophy From Nicolas of Cusa to the Present Time by Falckenberg, Richard