conceptus

[ kuhn-sep-tuhs ]

noun

, plural con·cep·tus·es.

1. the embryo and associated membranes of humans and other highly developed animals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of conceptus¹

1935–40; < New Latin; Latin: the action of conceiving, hence, something that is conceived, fetus, embryo, equivalent to concep- (variant stem of concipere to conceive; concept ) + -tus suffix of v. action

Example Sentences

More to the point, life cannot begin at conception, nor can a conceptus qualify as a “person,” as many assert.

From Washington Post

The problem with making policy on abortion is this: A conceptus does not appear equal to a person.

From Washington Post

If a conceptus has only a single chromosome—a Y—it probably fails to implant in the uterus and never develops.

From Scientific American

Normally, when a sperm fertilizes an egg, the resulting human conceptus has 23 pairs of chromosomes.

From Scientific American

An important function of progesterone, Fessler said, is that it dials down an early-warning part of the immune system, inflammation, which might prevent the embryo, or conceptus, from implanting itself in the placenta.

From Seattle Times