fetal

American  

[feet-l] / ˈfit l /

especially British, foetal

adjective

Embryology.

1. of, relating to, or having the character of a fetus.

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fetal British  

/ ˈfiːtəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a fetus

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Other Word Forms

• postfetal adjective
• postfoetal adjective

Etymology

Origin of fetal

First recorded in 1735–45; fet(us) + -al ¹

Explanation

Something that's fetal relates to the developing offspring of an animal before it's born. Fetal growth can be measured using sonograms and other tools. A fetal animal is also called a fetus, and something humans have in common with all other animals is our beginning in a fetal form, before our birth. Fetal development describes the way a fetus grows and changes over time, and when someone's in a fetal position, they're curled forward with bent arms and legs — like a fetus in its mother's womb. Fetal stems from the Latin fetus, "the bearing of young," or "a bringing forth."

Example Sentences

By the time the doctor had logged there was no fetal heartbeat, the medical record shows, Crain was too unstable for surgery.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

"I get into bed in the fetal position and my shoulder is absolutely killing me."

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Particulate matter from fossil fuel emissions is also linked to cardiovascular events and negative effects on maternal fetal health.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

With the rise of crack, homicide rates doubled among black males 14 to 17 while fetal deaths among blacks sharply increased.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

He set it on the table, lay in the middle of the floor in the fetal position, and cried, with the reek of their musty carpet in his nostrils.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner