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Definition of obstetrics

obstetrics

/əbˈstɛtrɪks/
ob · stet · rics
Adverb:obstetrically
•
Adjective:obstetric
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obstetrics Lexical Profile

obstetrics Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The branch of medicine and surgery concerned with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Example

"After completing medical school, she decided to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology at a major teaching hospital."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for obstetrics

Word Nuance & Usage

Although plural in form, "obstetrics" typically takes a singular verb when referring to the medical specialty as a whole (e.g., "obstetrics is a demanding field"), and is often paired with "gynecology" (which focuses on the female reproductive system outside of pregnancy).

• Rhymes for obstetrics

• Nearby Words

obsoleteness
obstacle
obstetrician
obstetrics
obstinacy
obstinate
obstinately

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century from the adjective "obstetric," which derives from the Latin "obstetrix" meaning "midwife," literally "one who stands opposite" (from "ob-" meaning "in front of" and "stare" meaning "to stand").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Obstetrics. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/obstetrics
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