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| ma·ter·ni·ty [ mə túrnətee ] |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. time during or after pregnancy: the period during pregnancy or around the time of childbirth
(
usually used in combination
)
  maternity clothes
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2. motherhood: the condition of being a mother
(
usually used in combination
)
|
3. motherly characteristics: the characteristics and emotions traditionally associated with being a mother, e.g. loving kindness and protectiveness
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4. hospital section caring for newborns: a ward, floor, or other section of a hospital where mothers and newborn babies are cared for
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| [Early 17th century. < French maternité< Latin maternus (see maternal)] |
