premature

premature definition - medical

pre·ma·ture (prēˌmə-cho͝orˈ, -to͝orˈ)

adjective
  1. Occurring or developing before the usual or expected time.
  2. Born after a gestation period of less than the normal time, especially, in human infants, after a period of less than 37 weeks.

Related Forms:

  • preˌma·tuˈri·ty noun

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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