amniotic fluid

amniotic fluid

n

(Medicine / Gynaecology & Obstetrics) the fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb

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amniotic fluid  (mn-tk)

The watery fluid within the amnion that surrounds the fetus. Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus from injury, allows movement, and helps to stabilize temperature. The composition of the fluid changes over the course of gestation. Initially, amniotic fluid is similar to maternal plasma. As the fetus develops, phospholipids originating from the lungs, fetal cells, lanugo, and urine are deposited in the fluid.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

amniotic fluid - the serous fluid in which the embryo is suspended inside the amnion; "before a woman gives birth her waters break" amnionic fluid, waters bodily fluid, body fluid, liquid body substance, humour, humor - the liquid parts of the body amniotic cavity - the fluid-filled cavity that surrounds the developing embryo