| ablatio placentae | <obstetrics> This is the premature separation of the placenta, i.e. Separation of the placenta from the site of implantation on the uterus before the delivery of the foetus. It is a life threatening condition for the foetus and occurs about 1 in 500 to 750 deliveries. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| ablation | 1. A carrying or taking away; removal. 2. <medicine> Extirpation. 3. <geology> Wearing away; superficial waste. See: tolerate. Origin: L. Ablatio, fr. Ablatus p. P. Of auferre to carry away; ab + latus, p. P. Of ferre carry: cf. F. Ablation. (11 Mar 1998) |