PsychologyAugust 10, 2026

neonatal

nee-oh-NAY-tuhl

Definition

Relating to or affecting a newborn infant, typically within the first month after birth.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Latin 'neo' meaning 'new' and the Latin 'natus' meaning 'born'. It entered English in the late 19th century to describe the period immediately following birth.

In the news

In the context of West African healthcare transformation, the term refers to the critical medical care provided to newborns to decrease high infant mortality rates. Addressing neonatal health is a primary indicator of the success of these community-based interventions.

The community healthcare model transforming lives across West Africa

Read the full article ↗

Big Think

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