preterm

[ pree-turm ]
/ priˈtɜrm /

adjective

occurring earlier in pregnancy than expected; premature: preterm labor.

noun

a baby born prematurely, especially one born before the 37th week of pregnancy and weighing less than 5½ pounds (2.5 kg).

Origin of preterm

First recorded in 1925–30; pre- + term

Example sentences from the Web for preterm

British Dictionary definitions for preterm

preterm
/ (ˌpriːˈtɜːm) /

adjective

(of a baby) born prematurely

adverb

prematurely

Medical definitions for preterm

preterm
[ prētûrm′, prē-tûrm ]

adj.

Occurring or appearing before the expected time at the end of a full-term pregnancy.

n.

An infant born prematurely.