full-term
UK[ˌfʊl ˈtɜːm]US[ˌfʊl ˈtɜːrm]
adj
(of a pregnancy or baby) lasting for the complete, normal period of gestation, typically about 40 weeks from conception.
adj
(of an official position or agreement) lasting for the complete, designated period.
Morpheme Breakdown
full
term
full
complete
term
period
Etymology
The compound 'full-term' is a modern English formation that transparently combines two ancient roots to specify a completed duration. 'Full' descends from the Proto-Germanic fullaz, carrying the enduring sense of completeness. 'Term' traces back to Latin terminus, a boundary stone marking a limit, which evolved to signify the end point of a set period. The logic of the word is direct: a 'full term' is a period that has reached its complete, natural, or appointed limit, whether applied to human gestation or the tenure of an office.
Analysis
Structure: full (complete) + term (period)
full: From Old English full, meaning "complete, entire, filled." It functions as an adjective modifying the noun 'term' to indicate completeness.
term: From Old French terme, from Latin terminus, meaning "boundary, limit, end." It functions as a noun denoting a fixed or limited period of time.
Examples
The baby was born healthy and full-term.
She served her full-term as president of the organization.
Most doctors recommend carrying the pregnancy to full-term if possible.