What does preemie mean?
The term preemie refers to a premature baby, specifically one born before 37 weeks of gestation. This term is commonly used in medical and informal contexts to describe infants who require special care due to their early birth. Preemie is often used interchangeably with premature infant, although some medical professionals may prefer the more formal term. The use of preemie can convey a sense of vulnerability and fragility, highlighting the need for specialized care and attention. In some cases, preemie may be used to describe babies born prematurely due to medical conditions or complications. Overall, preemie is a useful term for describing premature babies and their unique needs.
nounA premature baby, especially one born before 37 weeks of gestation.
- A premature baby, especially one born before 37 weeks of gestation.
"The hospital's neonatal unit specialized in caring for preemies."
"The doctor carefully monitored the preemie's vital signs."
"The charity organization provided support for families with preemies."
The plural form preemies is used to refer to multiple premature babies.
"The charity organization provided support for families with preemies."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of preemie
The term preemie is derived from the adjective premature, which means born or occurring before the usual or expected time. The suffix -ie is a diminutive form, often used to convey a sense of smallness or vulnerability. The term preemie has been in use since the mid-20th century, emerging as a colloquialism in medical and informal contexts.
How preemie is actually used
Preemie is often used in informal or medical contexts to refer to premature babies. It is not typically used in formal or technical writing.