Fetal
/ˈfiː.təl/noun
Relating to a fetus or the developmental stages of an unborn offspring.
Did you know?The term 'fetal' is derived from Latin 'fetus', which literally means 'offspring', but it was also historically associated with the potential for life or death depending on the circumstances surrounding birth.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
fetus
“The condition of being born, offspring.”
14th Century
Middle English
fetus
“An unborn child, an embryo.”
16th Century
Latin
fetalis
“Relating to a fetus.”
Modern English
English
fetal
“Pertaining to a fetus or embryonic development.”