obstetric

[ uhb-ste-trik ]

/ əbˈstɛ trɪk /

Save This Word!

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

QUIZ

ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!

Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

true

false

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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. 2023

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