Foetus: Definition, Usage & Key Facts

Meaning 1：unborn baby (foetus)

foetus 🔊

/ˈfiːtəs/

An unborn baby still developing inside its mother's body, especially after eight weeks of pregnancy.

unborn baby 🔊

➕

/ʌnˈbɔːrn ˈbeɪbi/

Refers to the stage of a developing mammal after the embryonic stage, specifically in humans from about eight weeks after conception until birth.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'fētus', meaning 'bringing forth, offspring'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'FOE-tus' as in 'future offspring developing inside'.

📖 Example

At the check-up, the doctor pointed to the moving image on the screen and explained how the foetus was responding to sounds. 🔊 During the appointment, the physician indicated the dynamic picture on the monitor and described the way the unborn baby was reacting to noises.

🔗 Collocations

developing foetus – an unborn baby that is in the process of growth and maturation

human foetus – the unborn young of a human being

foetal development – the process of growth and differentiation of an unborn baby

🔄 Synonyms

embryo (n.) – An unborn offspring in the early stages of development, especially before eight weeks in humans.

unborn child (n.) – A more general or emotional term for a baby still in the womb.

🚫 Antonyms

newborn (n.) – A baby that has recently been born.

🌱 Derivatives

foetal (adj.) – Relating to a foetus.

📖 Cultural Story

The spelling 'foetus' is common in British English, while 'fetus' is standard in American English and scientific contexts. This variation reflects historical Latin spelling preferences and ongoing linguistic standardization in medicine.