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Definition of preterm

preterm

/ˈpriːˌtɝːm/
pre · term
Plural:preterms
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preterm Lexical Profile

preterm Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Occurring or born before the end of the normal period of gestation, specifically before thirty-seven completed weeks of pregnancy.

Example

"The hospital's neonatal unit specializes in caring for preterm infants."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adverb

1

Before the completion of a full, normal period of pregnancy.

Example

"Twins are statistically much more likely to be born preterm than single babies."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

An infant born before the completion of the normal period of human gestation.

Example

"Modern incubators have dramatically improved survival outcomes for preterms."

Synonyms
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• Nearby Words

pretentious
pretentiously
pretentiousness
preterm
pretest
pretext
pretheater

Cite this Entry

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