obstetric

[ uhb-ste-trik ]

/ əbˈstɛ trɪk /

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adjective

of or relating to the care and treatment of women in childbirth and during the period before and after delivery.

of or relating to childbirth or obstetrics. Abbreviations: OB, ob

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Also ob·stet·ri·cal

[uhb-ste-tri-kuhl] /əbˈstɛ trɪ kəl/ .

Origin of obstetric

First recorded in 1735–45; from New Latin obstetrīcus “pertaining to a midwife,” alteration of Latin obstetrīcius, derivative of obstetrīx, equivalent to ob- ob- + ste- (combining form of stāre to stand) + -trīx -trix

OTHER WORDS FROM obstetric

ob·stet·ri·cal·ly, adverbnon·ob·stet·ric, adjectivenon·ob·stet·ri·cal, adjectivenon·ob·stet·ri·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use obstetric in a sentence

The most delicate and beautiful obstetrical instruments were invented by Madame Boivin.
The College, the Market, and the Court|Caroline H. Dall
Just then, even Doctor Smyth of the neighborhood practice and obstetrical habits seemed a miracle-worker.
The Job|Sinclair Lewis
In reply, he asked me to visit a house which had been made over into an obstetrical hospital for Belgian nuns.
Golden Lads|Arthur Gleason and Helen Hayes Gleason
Much speculation with Bea: Had the obstetrical case taken longer than he had expected?
Main Street|Sinclair Lewis

Mrs. Stiver is busy with an obstetrical case, and that town nurse of yours is off on vacation, ain't she?
Main Street|Sinclair Lewis

British Dictionary definitions for obstetric

obstetric

obstetrical

/ (ɒbˈstɛtrɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to childbirth or obstetrics

Derived forms of obstetric

obstetrically, adverb

Word Origin for obstetric

C18: via New Latin from Latin obstetrīcius, from obstetrix a midwife, literally: woman who stands opposite, from obstāre to stand in front of; see obstacle

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for obstetric

obstetric

[ ŏb-stĕt′rĭk, əb- ]

adj.

Of or relating to the profession of obstetrics or the care of women during and after pregnancy.