Definition

The early stage of development of a baby, starting from the fertilized egg and including the embryo and fetus, along with the surrounding membranes.

Example

The doctor explained the stages of development from conceptus to birth.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about what happens to a conceptus during the early stages of pregnancy?

Yeah, it’s fascinating how it develops from just a fertilized egg.

Exactly! I read that it goes through so many changes in such a short time.

Right? It's incredible how complex the process is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Conceptus is derived from "con-" (meaning together) and "capere" (meaning to seize or take). The term originally referred to the act of taking together or forming an idea, hence the modern meaning of a concept as an abstract idea or general notion.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking together' ('con-') to form an idea ('capere') — that's how you remember that a concept is an abstract idea.

Visually Confused Words