1. noun /ˈmɪd.waɪf/
a) A person, usually a woman, who is trained to assist women in childbirth, but who is not a physician.
A hundred years ago, a midwife would bring the baby into the world - going to a hospital to deliver a baby was either impossible or unheard of.
b) Someone who assists in bringing about some result or project.
2. verb /ˈmɪd.waɪf/
a) To act as a midwife
But the bigger objective was to help Iraqis midwife a democratic model that could inspire reform across the Arab-Muslim world and give the youth there a chance at a better future.
b) to facilitate the emergence of
: Thomas L. Friedman. "Attention: Baby on Board." New York Times. April 13, 2010.
See Also: midwifery, midhusband
Wikipedia foundation.