lithopedion

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A calcium-encased foetus that occurs in ectopic abdominal pregnancies when the foetus dies and is not reabsorbed by the maternal body, whereby the maternal system encases the foreign body (foetus) in calcium to isolate it.

Word forms

lithopedion lithopedions lithopedia lithopaedion

Etymology

From Ancient Greek λίθος (líthos, “stone”) + παιδίον (paidíon, “little child”).

Synonyms

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