trimester
try-MES-tur
/traɪˈmɛstər/
One of the three three-month periods into which a human pregnancy is divided.
While it can refer to academic terms, in this context, it specifically denotes the developmental stages of pregnancy, each with distinct symptoms and milestones.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'trimestris', which literally means 'of three months'. It was originally used in academic and military contexts before becoming the standard way to divide the nine months of human pregnancy.
Word relationships
- stage: Stage is more general, while trimester specifically implies a three-month duration.
- term: Term usually refers to the entire duration or the end of pregnancy, not the three-month divisions.
Commonly confused with
- semester: A semester is a six-month period, usually in an academic setting, whereas a trimester is three months.
Word family
- trimesters (noun): Plural form of trimester.
Collocations
- first trimester
- second trimester
- third trimester
- trimester screening
Example sentences
- "The first trimester is a time of rapid development for the fetus and significant hormonal changes for the mother." Medical guide
- "By the second trimester, many women find their energy levels returning after the fatigue of the early weeks." Personal experience
Memory hook
Think of a 'tri-cycle' with three wheels; a pregnancy has three 'tri-mesters'. Three months, three stages.
When not to use
Avoid using it for pregnancies in animals that do not last nine months; use 'gestation period' instead.
Fun facts
- The second trimester is often called the 'honeymoon phase' of pregnancy because many early symptoms disappear.
Explore more words
milestone, thrice, adolescent, developmental, toddler, course
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