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maternity
Maternity is defined as the state of being a mother.
(noun)An example of maternity is when a woman has children.
The definition of maternity is something related to giving birth.
(adjective)An example of maternity used as an adjective is in the phrase "maternity clothes," which means clothes made for pregnant women.
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See maternity in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun pl. maternities
- the state of being a mother; motherhood
- the character or qualities of a mother; motherliness
- a maternity ward in a hospital
Origin: Fr maternité < ML maternitas < L maternus, maternal
adjective
- for a woman when pregnant or around the time of giving birth: maternity dress, maternity leave
- for the care of women giving birth and of newborn babies: a maternity ward
See maternity in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun pl. ma·ter·ni·ties
- The state of being a mother; motherhood.
- The feelings or characteristics associated with being a mother; motherliness.
- A maternity ward.
Relating to or effective during pregnancy, childbirth, or the first months of motherhood: a maternity dress; maternity leave.
Origin:
Origin: French maternité
Origin: , from Medieval Latin māternitās
Origin: , from Latin māternus, maternal; see maternal
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