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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From Salon

“But I’m not going to sit back any longer in a position, a fetal position, in a position of weakness, when in fact California could demonstrably advance strength and that’s what we intend to do.”

From Los Angeles Times

“There is now more than enough evidence to support strong warnings from the FDA about how drugs disrupt fetal development and impact the moms.”

From Los Angeles Times