noun

placenta

pluh-SEHN-tuh

Placenta (noun) means an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, feeding the fetus and removing its waste through the umbilical cord. Example: “The placenta is delivered shortly after the baby is born.”

noun

An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, feeding the fetus and removing its waste through the umbilical cord.

"The placenta is delivered shortly after the baby is born."

"Doctors monitor placenta position closely in later pregnancy."

How to use placenta

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe organ that connects a pregnant mother to her fetus, supplying nutrients and oxygen.

Common pairings

placenta previa deliver the placenta placental blood flow

Word forms

placentae plural, placentas plural

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Test yourself on “placenta” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ is delivered shortly after the baby is born.

Etymology

From Latin placenta, "flat cake," describing the organ's flattened, round shape.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for placenta

Kenta magenta polenta

See all rhymes for placenta →

Frequently asked questions

What does “placenta” mean?

The word “placenta” means an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, feeding the fetus and removing its waste through the umbilical cord. In plain terms, the organ that connects a pregnant mother to her fetus, supplying nutrients and oxygen.

How do you pronounce “placenta”?

“Placenta” is pronounced pluh-SEHN-tuh (/pləˈsɛntə/ in IPA).

How do you use “placenta” in a sentence?

Here is “placenta” used in a sentence: “The placenta is delivered shortly after the baby is born.”

What part of speech is “placenta”?

“Placenta” is a noun.

Where does the word “placenta” come from?

The word “placenta” comes from Latin. From Latin placenta, "flat cake," describing the organ's flattened, round shape.