fetus etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: fetus, "offspring, young animal"
  • Proto-Indo-European: *bʰéu-, "to be, become"

Meaning:

A fetus is an unborn developing mammal, especially a human being.

Origin:

The term "fetus" has its origins in ancient Roman society. It was first used to refer to young animals, particularly livestock, however, over time, its meaning expanded to include human unborn children.

The Latin word "fetus" is derived from the verb "fēre," which means "to bear, produce, or bring forth." This verb is related to the Proto-Indo-European root *bʰéu-, which also gave rise to words such as "be," "become," and "birth."

The use of the term "fetus" to refer to human embryos and fetuses became common in medical and legal contexts during the Middle Ages. It was used to distinguish between the unborn child and the newborn infant.

fetus relate terms

  • fetus

    Etymology Latin fetus offspring young animal Proto Indo European bʰéu to be

  • effete

    Etymology Latin effetus exhausted worn out From ex out of fetus off

  • fetus

    Etymology Latin fetus offspring young animal Proto Indo European bʰéu to be

  • miscarry

    Etymology Middle English miscarien from Old French mescharrier miscarry fail mism

  • fawn

    Etymology The word fawn originates from the Old English word fægen which meant gl

  • abortion

    Etymology From Latin abortus meaning a miscarriage or premature birth Derived from

  • placenta

    Etymology The word placenta comes from the Latin word placenta which means flat ca

  • caul

    Etymology Middle English caul from Old Norse káll plural kálar Meaning A th

  • breed

    Etymology Old English brēod Proto Germanic braudō Proto Indo European bʰre

  • non viable

    Etymology Non prefix Not or without Viable Latin Capable of living or s

  • baby

    Etymology The word baby is derived from the Middle English word babe which origina

  • Exodus

    Etymology The word Exodus is derived from the Greek exodos which means going out

  • bolt

    Etymology The word bolt comes from the Old English word bolt which means a short t