fetal

especially British, foe·tal

[feet-l]

adjective

Embryology.

1. of, relating to, or having the character of a fetus.

fetal

/ ˈfiːtəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a fetus

Other Word Forms

• postfetal adjective
• postfoetal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fetal¹

First recorded in 1735–45; fet(us) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Some previous studies have indicated risks to fetal development, but others have found no association.

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Prolonged, untreated fever itself can harm fetal development, they said.

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In a repeat of her past experience, her lawsuit alleges, staff members told her they could not provide the care she sought due to the fetal heartbeat.

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Abortion is legal in Illinois up to the point of fetal viability, meaning around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy, with no restrictions.

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Too much vitamin A can cause liver damage, blindness, and dire abnormalities during fetal development.

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