Pronunciation: [fˈiːtə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "fetal" is spelled with an "e" after the "t" because it comes from the Latin word "foetus." The IPA phonetic transcription for "fetal" is /ˈfiːt(ə)l/, with the stress on the first syllable. The first sound is a long "e" sound, followed by the "t" and "a" making an "at" sound, and ending with a silent "l." This term refers to the development of a fetus during pregnancy and is commonly used in medical contexts.
Fetal is an adjective that pertains to or is associated with the fetus, which is the developing offspring of a mammal, including humans, from approximately the eighth week after conception until birth. Fetal is derived from the Latin word "fetus," meaning "offspring" or "bringing forth."
In medical terms, "fetal" describes conditions, characteristics, or processes related to the prenatal stage of development. For instance, fetal development refers to the growth and maturation of the fetus during the gestational period. It encompasses various aspects such as the development of organs, limbs, and overall body systems. Medical professionals often monitor fetal wellbeing through techniques like ultrasound imaging, which provides images of the fetus in the womb.
Additionally, the term "fetal" is used to indicate specific conditions or abnormalities that occur during fetal development. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), for example, is a group of physical and mental defects that result from a mother's excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy, adversely affecting the fetus. Other medical conditions, such as fetal distress or fetal surgery, involve complications or required interventions related to the well-being or treatment of the unborn baby.
Overall, the term "fetal" relates to everything associated with the stage of development between conception and birth, including both normal and abnormal aspects of prenatal growth and well-being.
Relating to a fetus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
See foetus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "fetal" is derived from the Latin word "fētālis", which is related to "fētus" meaning "offspring" or "young one". "Fētālis" specifically refers to something related to a fetus or pertaining to fetal development. This Latin term ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "dheie-" meaning "to suckle" or "to nurse".
