An is a female birth attendant, often used as a more formal or French-derived term for a midwife or a female obstetrician. The word comes from the French verb accoucher , meaning "to give birth" or "to deliver," and literally translates to "one who is present at the bedside". Key Characteristics and Usage
: In contemporary French-speaking regions, the title is still used in professional settings, such as infirmière accoucheuse (nurse-midwife). accoucheuse
If you're curious about how to say the word with a proper French accent, you can listen to the pronunciation here: An is a female birth attendant, often used
: They are skilled individuals authorized to practice deliveries and, in some legal contexts, draw up official attestations of birth. If you're curious about how to say the
: The term has been used since at least the late 18th century, with the Oxford English Dictionary tracing its English usage back to 1795.