obstetrician
obstetrician Lexical Profile
obstetrician Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A physician or medical specialist who is qualified to practice obstetrics, providing medical and surgical care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
"The expectant parents scheduled a consultation with their obstetrician to review the ultrasound results and discuss the birth plan."
Word Nuance & Usage
An obstetrician specifically focuses on pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, whereas a gynecologist treats the female reproductive system more broadly; many physicians practice both specialties as an OB-GYN.
• Rhymes for obstetrician
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 19th century from 'obstetric' and the suffix '-ian', ultimately deriving from the Latin 'obstetrix' (midwife), from the verb 'obstare' meaning 'to stand before or opposite' (referring to the midwife's position in front of the woman giving birth).