fetal

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   relating to a fetus or its development before birth

   The scan allowed doctors to monitor fetal growth.

2. 2
   adj

   curled tightly with the knees drawn toward the chest, as in the fetal position

   He lay in a fetal position beneath the blanket.

Formed from fetus and the adjective suffix -al. Fetus comes from Latin fetus, 'offspring, bringing forth, or pregnancy.' Fetal is standard in American English, while foetal remains common in British English.

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