Placenta: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Latin word 'placenta,' meaning 'cake,' reflecting its round shape.
• In old Greek, it was referred to as 'plakounta,' which also means 'flat cake,' highlighting its flat structure.

Science

• It allows nutrients and oxygen to pass from the mother to the baby while removing waste from the baby's bloodstream.
• The placenta can weigh around one pound after birth and is often expelled in the delivery process.
• It contains specialized cells that produce hormones necessary for maintaining pregnancy.

Culture

• In some cultures, the placenta is buried with rituals to honor the connection between mother and child.
• The practice of consuming the placenta (placentophagy) has gained popularity in some cultures for believed health benefits.

Medical

• Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, causing complications during childbirth.
• Certain diseases, like preeclampsia, can affect the placenta and lead to health issues for both the baby and mother.

Literature

• The symbolism of the placenta appears in various literary works, often representing life, nourishment, and the maternal bond.
• In poetry, the placenta might symbolize the connection between nature and nurturing, demonstrating the profound relationships in life.

Ranked #11,547, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

• ...
• 11544 lounge
• 11545 juncture
• 11546 unitary
• 11547 placenta
• 11548 ballast
• 11549 subsurface
• 11550 bordered
• ...