superfetation

[ soo-per-fee-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the fertilization of an ovum in a female mammal already pregnant.

superfetation

/ ˌsuːpəˈfiːteɪt; ˌsuːpəfiːˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. physiol the presence in the uterus of two fetuses developing from ova fertilized at different times

Derived Forms

• superfetate, adjective

Other Words From

• super·fetate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of superfetation¹

1595–1605; < Latin superfētāt ( us ) (past participle of superfētāre to conceive again while still pregnant, equivalent to super- super- + fētā ( re ) to breed ( fetus ) + -tus past participle suffix) + -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of superfetation¹

C17 superfetate, from Latin superfētāre to fertilize when already pregnant, from super- + fētāre to impregnate, from fētus offspring

Example Sentences

He became the victim of a sort of intellectual superfetation.

From Project Gutenberg

Superfetation has occurred by coition during pregnancy, and this results commonly in abortion and the death of both fetuses.

From Project Gutenberg