vernix
/ˈvəːnɪks
/(in full vernix caseosa /ˌkeɪsɪˈəʊsə/)
noun [mass noun]
A greasy deposit covering the skin of a baby at birth.The amniotic fluid may be discolored by blood from a previous amniocentesis, excess vernix, or meconium....
- We say all the birth words: ‘placenta, meconium, vernix, perineum, bilirubin.’
- Rather than amniotic fluid contributing to soft skin, according to Kelly, babies in the womb are protected by vernix.
Origin
Late 16th century: from medieval Latin, variant of veronix 'fragrant resin' (see varnish).