noun
placenta
pluh-SEHN-tuh
noun
1
An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, feeding the fetus and removing its waste through the umbilical cord.
"The placenta is delivered shortly after the baby is born."
"Doctors monitor placenta position closely in later pregnancy."
How to Use Placenta
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe organ that connects a pregnant mother to her fetus, supplying nutrients and oxygen.
Common pairings
placenta previa
deliver the placenta
placental blood flow
Word Forms
placentae plural, placentas plural
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The _____ is delivered shortly after the baby is born.
Etymology
From Latin placenta, "flat cake," describing the organ's flattened, round shape.