Meanings
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1
adj
relating to, supplied through, or possessing a placenta
The placental tissues transfer oxygen and nutrients between mother and fetus.
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2
noun
a mammal of the crown group Placentalia, conventionally contrasted with marsupials and monotremes
Humans, bats, whales, and rodents are all placentals.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From post-classical Latin placentalis, formed from placenta + -al. Placenta comes from Latin for a flat cake, applied anatomically to the organ's shape. Placental mammal is the traditional term for the living crown group Placentalia, although marsupials also form placentas.