preterm
adjectiveUK /ˌpriːˈtɜːm/
US /ˌpriːˈtɜːrm/
A preterm baby is one born earlier than usual, before it is fully ready.
The preterm baby stayed in the hospital for a few weeks to grow stronger.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Happening before the expected or usual time.
The preterm meeting was moved up because of the storm.
3. A baby born before the normal end of pregnancy.
The nurses cared for several preterms in the special unit.
4. Occurring before a set deadline or scheduled date.
Her preterm departure surprised everyone at the office.