miscarriage
/ˈmɪskærɪdʒ/noun★Intermediate
🏥Medicine
formaltechnical
The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable, typically before 20 weeks of gestation.
She experienced a miscarriage in her second trimester.
The doctor confirmed the miscarriage after an ultrasound.
💡
This term is used in medical contexts and is considered sensitive due to its emotional impact.
Collocations
suffer a miscarriageto experience a miscarriagerecurrent miscarriagemultiple miscarriages in succession
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
missed miscarriagephrase
a miscarriage where the fetus has died but the body has not expelled it
💡Pro Tip
Sensitive Language
Use 'miscarriage' in medical contexts, but consider 'pregnancy loss' in informal or supportive conversations.
⚡Gold Rule
Medical Terminology
In medical writing, 'miscarriage' is the standard term, but 'spontaneous abortion' is also used in clinical settings.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'miscarriage,' from 'mis-' (bad) + 'carriage' (pregnancy).
📝Usage Notes
The term is often used in medical and formal contexts. In informal settings, 'pregnancy loss' may be preferred for sensitivity.
Word Breakdown
mis-
bad or wrong
prefix-carriage
pregnancy
rootEnglish Dictionary