maternity
nounfeminine/mɐtɨɾniˈðaðɨ/high
ma·ter·ni·da·de
Definitions
1The state or experience of being a mother; the period during pregnancy and shortly after childbirth.
She is on maternity leave from work.
The joys of maternity are profound.
syn
ant
Common collocations
maternity leavematernity clothesmaternity wardmaternity benefits
2A hospital specializing in childbirth and the care of newborn babies.
She gave birth at the local maternity hospital.
The maternity hospital has a neonatal intensive care unit.
Etymology
Do latim 'maternitas, -atis', de 'mater' (mãe).