
maternity
词源
源自拉丁语 'maternitas'(母性),由 'mater'(母亲)和后缀 '-ity' 构成,14世纪后期进入英语。
noun
❶ 指与母亲或怀孕相关的状态或时期,包括怀孕、分娩及产后护理等。常用于医疗、法律或职场语境中。
“She took maternity leave after the birth of her baby.”
(她在宝宝出生后休了产假。)
“The hospital has a special maternity ward for new mothers.”
(这家医院设有专门为产妇准备的产科病房。)
❶ 指母亲的身份或特质,强调与母性相关的关怀、养育等特征。
“Her face glowed with maternity as she held the newborn.”
(她抱着新生儿时,脸上洋溢着母性的光辉。)
“The novel explores themes of love and maternity.”
(这部小说探讨了爱与母性的主题。)
adjective
❶ 形容与孕妇或产妇相关的事物,如服装、护理等。
“She bought a stylish maternity dress for the party.”
(她为聚会买了一件时尚的孕妇裙。)
“The store has a section dedicated to maternity wear.”
(这家商店有一个专区专门售卖孕妇装。)
常见短语
maternity leave — 指女性员工因怀孕和分娩而享有的带薪休假,通常涵盖产前和产后的一段时间。
“She plans to take six months of maternity leave.”
(她计划休六个月的产假。)
maternity ward — 医院中专门为待产、分娩和产后恢复的妇女设置的病房区域。
“Visiting hours in the maternity ward are strictly enforced.”
(产科病房的探视时间有严格规定。)