prematurity

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English premature Proto-Indo-European *-teh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-ts Proto-Indo-European *-teh₂ts Latin -itāsder. Old French -itebor. Middle English -ite English -ity English prematurity From premature + -ity.

1. The condition of (a baby, etc.) being premature.

   “The questions of prematurity and low birth weight and the implications for later development are consistent with the theme of risk and vulnerability discussed throughout the book.”

   “Apnea of prematurity represents a striking disorder of respiratory control.”

2. Something that is premature or occurs prematurely.

   “Those individuals in the third group with 5 to 10 prematurities noted averaged 7 prematurities for every 57 heart beats[…].”

   “Not all patients with occlusal prematurities have trauma from occlusion.”