desprendimiento
/despɾendiˈmjento/
The English word "abruption" is translated into Spanish as desprendimiento.
In a medical context, desprendimiento refers to the premature separation of an organ or tissue from its surrounding attachment, especially during pregnancy. Specifically, "placental abruption" is expressed as desprendimiento de placenta.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the verb desprender, meaning to detach or unfasten and the suffix -miento, which turns a verb into a noun (similar to the English suffix -ment). It literally means "detachment" or "separation".
How does it change in a sentence?
desprendimiento is a masculine noun. You can form the plural desprendimientos by adding -s.
How do you pronounce it?
/despɾendiˈmjento/
Did you know?
- Beyond the medical world, desprendimiento is used to describe a selfless act of generosity or charity. To have desprendimiento is to be emotionally detached from material possessions for the sake of others.
- The term desprendimiento is used for several different types of medical 'abruptions', including the detachment of the retina from the back of the eye.
- You can use the verb desprender to describe almost anything that comes loose, from a sticker losing its stickiness to a stone falling from a wall.
Examples in context
- El corte repentino de la llamada me dejó preocupado.The sudden abruption of the call left me worried.
- Hubo un desprendimiento de placenta.There was a placental abruption.
- El médico detectó un desprendimiento prematuro.The doctor detected a premature abruption.
- El desprendimiento es una emergencia médica.Abruption is a medical emergency.
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining a diagnosis to a patient.
- DanielMaría, los resultados indican un desprendimiento de placenta.María, the results indicate a placental abruption.
- María¡Dios mío! ¿Es muy grave, Daniel?My goodness! Is it very serious, Daniel?
- DanielEs serio, pero actuaremos rápido ahora.It is serious, but we will act quickly now.
- MaríaEspero que el bebé esté bien.I hope the baby is okay.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desprendimiento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
