puerperal

[ pyoo-ur-per-uhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a woman in childbirth.
2. pertaining to or connected with childbirth.

puerperal

/ pjuːˈɜːpərəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or occurring during the puerperium

Other Words From

• postpu·erper·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of puerperal¹

First recorded in 1760–70, puerperal is from the New Latin word puerperālis of childbirth. See puerpera, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of puerperal¹

C18: from New Latin puerperālis relating to childbirth; see puerperium

Example Sentences

Puerperal, pū-ėr′pėr-al, adj. relating to childbirth—also Pūer′perous.

From Project Gutenberg

In epidemics of puerperal fever this form of erysipelas has been specially found to prevail.

From Project Gutenberg

Poison was of course suspected; but her death was really caused by puerperal convulsions (eclampsia).

From Project Gutenberg

The whole of the preceding remarks apply even more to children and to puerperal women than to patients in general.

From Project Gutenberg

Mental disturbances and morbid impulses associated with pregnancy or the puerperal state may be dispelled in the same way.

From Project Gutenberg