fetal

American  

[feet-l] / ˈfit l /

especially British, foetal

adjective

Embryology.

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

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fetal British  

/ ˈfiːtəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a fetus

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Other Word Forms

• postfetal adjective
• postfoetal adjective

Etymology

Origin of fetal

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

Explanation

Something that's fetal relates to the developing offspring of an animal before it's born. Fetal growth can be measured using sonograms and other tools. A fetal animal is also called a fetus, and something humans have in common with all other animals is our beginning in a fetal form, before our birth. Fetal development describes the way a fetus grows and changes over time, and when someone's in a fetal position, they're curled forward with bent arms and legs — like a fetus in its mother's womb. Fetal stems from the Latin fetus, "the bearing of young," or "a bringing forth."

Example Sentences

Some previous studies have indicated risks of acetaminophen to fetal development, but others have found no link, the Journal has reported.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

“Early visits are essential for identifying and managing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, infections and fetal growth restriction. When care begins late, or not at all, clinicians miss the window to manage these risks effectively.”

From Salon • Mar. 1, 2026

"This is important as paracetamol is the first-line medication we recommend for pregnant women in pain or with a fever," said Prof Khalil, professor of maternal fetal medicine at City St George's, University of London.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

"You can think of the fetal globin gene as the training wheels on a kid's bike," says Prof. Crossley.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

Owen snapped into a fetal position—chin to his chest, arms folded tight over his head, knees tucked all the way up to his stomach—and tried to disappear.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz