Amniotic Fluid
/ˌæmniˈɒtɪk ˈfluːɪd/noun
The protective liquid surrounding a fetus in the amniotic sac during pregnancy.
Did you know?Amnion entered medical Latin from Greek ἀμνίον (amnion), originally meaning a small vessel or bowl, so the word for womb-fluid is tied to a container associated with ritual catching and holding.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀμνίον (amnion)
“A small vessel or bowl; later, the membrane enclosing the fetus”
Late Latin
Latin
amnion
“The membrane surrounding a fetus”
Middle English
English
amnyon / amnion
“The membrane enclosing the fetus”
Modern English
English
amniotic
“Relating to the amnion or amniotic fluid”
Modern English
English
amniotic fluid
“The fluid contained in the amniotic sac”