dizygotic

American  

[dahy-zahy-got-ik] / ˌdaɪ zaɪˈgɒt ɪk /

Also dizygous

adjective

1. developed from two fertilized ova, as fraternal twins.

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dizygotic Scientific  

/ dī′zī-gŏt′ĭk /

1. Derived from two separately fertilized eggs. Used especially of fraternal twins.

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Other Word Forms

• dizygosity noun

Etymology

Origin of dizygotic

First recorded in 1925–30; di- ¹ + zygotic

Example Sentences

They had always believed they were dizygotic twins – created from two separate eggs that were fertilised by two different sperm.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Twin studies compare the behavior of monozygotic twins, who share a genetic code, and dizygotic twins, who are no more genetically similar than ordinary siblings.

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2013

Boklage’s arguments seem to agree with Penelope Francis, who insisted that her sons Derek and Zach are fraternal – or dizygotic – twins and not identical.

From Scientific American • Jun. 21, 2012

If the inclination to vote was heritable, monozygotic twins would have more behaviors in common than dizygotic ones.

From Slate • Jan. 27, 2012

She had come to see her dizygotic twin, Estha, from whom she has been separated for 23 years.

From The Guardian • Apr. 15, 2010