Pronunciation: [vˈad͡ʒɪtəs] (IPA) 
Vagitus is a word used to describe the crying of a newborn baby. Its spelling is derived from the Latin word "vagire", meaning "to cry or wail". The correct pronunciation of vagitus is /vəˈdʒaɪtəs/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "v" is pronounced like a "v" in "victory," while the "a" is short and sounds like "uh". The "g" is pronounced like a "j" in "jump" and the "t" is pronounced softly.
Vagitus is a term that primarily refers to the cry or wail made by a newborn baby. It is derived from the Latin word "vagītus," which literally means "crying" or "wailing." The term is often used in medical and scientific contexts related to pediatrics and obstetrics.
In the field of medicine, vagitus is commonly employed to describe the first cry or vocalization produced by an infant immediately after birth. This cry is considered a vital sign as it indicates that the baby's respiratory system is functioning properly and that they have successfully transitioned from the intrauterine environment to the outside world. The vagitus serves as an important indicator for healthcare providers to assess the newborn's overall health and well-being.
Beyond its medical connotations, vagitus can also be seen as a symbolic representation of new life, capturing the essence of the vulnerability and dependency of a newborn baby. The cry is often associated with the experience of birth, representing the first communication between a baby and their caregivers.
Overall, vagitus is a term used to describe the initial cry of a newborn, encompassing both its physiological significance and the emotional implications associated with a new life entering the world.
The crying of an infant.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "vagitus" derived from Latin. It comes from the verb "vagire", which means "to cry" or "to wail". In Latin, "vagitus" specifically referred to the cry of a newborn baby or an infant. This term is still used in medical contexts to describe the sound a newborn makes when crying immediately after birth. The root of "vagire" has also influenced other related words in English, such as "vaginal" (relating to the birth canal) and "vagitus uterinus" (the cry-like sound that can occur during a uterine contraction).
