preterm

[ pree-turm ]

adjective

1. occurring earlier in pregnancy than expected; premature:

   preterm labor.

noun

1. a baby born prematurely, especially one born before the 37th week of pregnancy and weighing less than 5½ pounds (2.5 kilograms).

preterm

/ ˌpriːˈtɜːm /

adjective

1. (of a baby) born prematurely

adverb

1. prematurely

Word History and Origins

Origin of preterm¹

First recorded in 1925–30; pre- + term

Example Sentences

Local governments steered power plants, oil refineries, and other industrial facilities to Black neighborhoods, even as research linked them to increased risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, and preterm births.

From Salon

If an exam produced devastating news right after the Dobbs decision but the patient wasn’t able to have an abortion, she would be at risk of a preterm birth three to four months later.

From Los Angeles Times

I made it to 40 weeks, but studies show that HG is associated with low birth weight and preterm birth.

From Slate

Oil wells emit likely carcinogens, including benzene and formaldehyde, and living near wells is linked to health problems including respiratory issues and preterm births, according to studies.

From Los Angeles Times

It concluded that most of these deaths could be explained by an increase in the number of preterm births or babies born with congenital conditions.

From BBC