afterbirth

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The placenta and other material expelled via the birth canal following childbirth or parturition in mammals.

Pronunciation

/ˈæf.tɚ.bɚθ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Paul2520-afterbirth.wav

Word forms

afterbirth afterbirths

Etymology

From after- + birth (in the sense of delivery). Cognate with Danish efterbyrd (“afterbirth”), Swedish efterbörd (“afterbirth”). Compare also afterburden, afterburthen.

Synonyms

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