parturition

par•tu•ri•tion (pahr-too-RISH-uhn)  n

Definition:
the act or process of giving birth; childbirth

Origin:
1646; from L. parturitionem, noun of action from parturire "be in labor," desiderative of parere "to bear, bring forth, give birth to, produce," from PIE base *per- "to bring forth"

Related:
Synonyms: childbearing, delivery, labor, childbirth, birth
Related Words: from parere "to bring forth, bear": parturient, viviparous, oviparous, multiparous, transparent, pauper, parent, postpartum

Sentence Examples:
• Dreams of this sort are parturition dreams; their interpretation is accomplished by reversing the fact reported in the manifest dream content; thus, instead of "throwing one's self into the water," read "coming out of the water," that is, "being born." -Dream Psychology, Sigmund Freud

• [The death-god's] head ornament varies in the Dresden Codex; in the first portion of the manuscript, relating in part to pregnancy and child-birth, he wears on his head several times a figure occurring very frequently just in this part of the Dresden Codex and apparently representing a snail, which among the Aztecs is likewise a symbol of parturition. -Representation of Deities of the Maya Manuscripts, Paul Schellhas

• Any place into which women are received to be cared for before, during or after parturition shall be considered as a maternity hospital or home. -Rules and regulations governing maternity hospitals and homes, 1922, California State Board of Charities and Corrections

The Storyline
"Young lady, remember I'm your father," he retorted. But his role in her parturition was not sufficient to give him the upper hand again.

Sources: Free Dictionary, Online Etymology

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