English Explanatory Dictionary

maternity

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The state of being a mother; motherhood.
  2. The state of being pregnant; pregnancy.
  3. A ward or department in a hospital in which babies are born.

Pronunciation

/məˈtɜːnɪti/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-maternity.wav /məˈtɜɹnəti/ [-ɾi]

Word forms

maternity maternities

Etymology

From French maternité, from Latin māternitās.

Synonyms

maternity ward

Antonyms

paternity

Derived words

co-maternity grandmaternity maternity bra maternity dress maternity hospital maternity jeans maternity leave maternity pillow maternity test maternitywear maternity wear nonmaternity prematernity
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