superfetation

American  

[soo-per-fee-tay-shuhn] / ˌsu pər fiˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

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

---

superfetation British  

/ ˌsuːpəfiːˈteɪʃən /

noun

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

---

Other Word Forms

• superfetate
  adjective

---

Etymology

Origin of superfetation

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

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

superfetation

Pregnancy normally stops the monthly cycle of ovulation but superfetation allows it to continue.

From BBC ● Nov. 15, 2016

A rare condition known as superfetation makes it possible to conceive for a second time when pregnant.

From BBC ● Nov. 15, 2016

DeOria, L. & Rana, N. Embryo implantation during menstruation in the absence of adequate estradiol and progesterone support, with subsequent normal response to ovulation induction and superfetation.

From Scientific American ● Apr. 27, 2011

It should not be surprising then, that reports of superfetation in humans are more commonly associated with women who have undergone fertility treatments.

From Scientific American ● Apr. 27, 2011

Baudeloque speaks of a case of superfetation observed by Desgranges in Lyons in 1780.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Walter L. (Walter Lytle) Pyle

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---