prematurity

Noun

prematurity (usually uncountable, plural prematurities)

1. (usually) 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.1995, Otfried Spreen, Anthony H. Risser, Dorothy Edgell, Developmental Neuropsychology, page 212
   • Apnea of prematurity represents a striking disorder of respiratory control.2008, Eric C. Eichenwald, “Apnea of Prematurity”, in Dara Brodsky, Mary Ann Ouellette, editors, Primary Care of the Premature Infant, page 19

   Synonyms:

   prematureness

2. (usually) 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[…].1959, Lawrence E. Lamb, editor, The first International Symposium on Cardiology in Aviation, conducted at the School of Aviation Medicine, 12-13 November, 1959, page 187
   • Not all patients with occlusal prematurities have trauma from occlusion.1990, Irving Glickman, Glickman's Clinical Periodontology, page 723