ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pregnancy

n. C / U
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈpɹɛɡnənsi// UK //pɹˈɛɡnənsi// preg·nan·cy

n. the time when a woman or female animal has a baby growing inside her body. It usually lasts about nine months for humans.

n. the condition or period of carrying developing offspring within the body. Often used in medical or biological contexts to describe the gestation process from conception to birth.


SIMPLE

She is enjoying a very healthy pregnancy.

CONTEXTUAL

During her first pregnancy, she attended weekly classes to learn about nutrition and exercise for expectant mothers.

COMPLEX

Advances in prenatal screening have allowed doctors to monitor the health of the fetus throughout the pregnancy with unprecedented precision and safety.

Synonyms
Origin

From pregnant + -cy.

Usage

Functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the general state or condition; functions as a countable noun when referring to specific instances or multiple occurrences.

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