obstetric
or ob·stet·ri·cal
- 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. Abbreviation: OB, ob
Origin of obstetric
Examples from the Web for obstetrical
Historical Examples of obstetrical
In 1847, I was appointed one of the physicians to Bellevue Hospital, to which an obstetrical department was attached.
A woman physician whom I know was in the midst of a violent headache when called out on an obstetrical case.
Outwitting Our NervesJosephine A. Jackson and Helen M. Salisbury
Events had no right to be born throughout his dominions, without a preparatory course of his obstetrical pedantry.
The Rise of the Dutch Republic, Volume I.(of III) 1555-66John Lothrop Motley
Events must not be born without a preparatory course of his obstetrical pedantry!
House of TormentCyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull
Just then, even Doctor Smyth of the neighborhood practice and obstetrical habits seemed a miracle-worker.
The JobSinclair Lewis
obstetric
obstetrical
- of or relating to childbirth or obstetrics
Word Origin for obstetric
Word Origin and History for obstetrical
obstetric
1742, from Modern Latin obstetricus "pertaining to a midwife," from obstetrix (genitive obstetricis) "midwife," literally "one who stands opposite (the woman giving birth)," from obstare "stand opposite to" (see obstacle). The true adjective would be obstetricic, "but only pedantry would take exception to obstetric at this stage of its career." [Fowler]. Related: Obstetrical.
obstetric
(ŏb-stĕt′rĭk, əb-)- Of or relating to the profession of obstetrics or the care of women during and after pregnancy.