noun
mother's body; maternal body
Refers to the physical body of a mother, especially in medical or biological contexts such as pregnancy, childbirth, or maternal health.
胎児は母体から栄養をもらう。
The fetus receives nutrients from the mother's body.
母体の健康は赤ちゃんに直接影響する。
The mother's health directly affects the baby.
noun
parent body; parent organization; base; nucleus
Used for the core organization, institution, or group from which a branch, offshoot, or project originates. Common in business, academic, and administrative contexts.
この研究所は大学を母体としている。
This research institute is based on the university as its parent body.
新会社は大手企業を母体に設立された。
The new company was established with a major corporation as its parent organization.
Compound of 母 (mother) and 体 (body). The organizational sense is a metaphorical extension of the biological meaning, likening a parent organization to a mother's body that gives rise to or nurtures a new entity.