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superfetation

[soo-per-fee-tey-shuh n]
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noun
  1. the fertilization of an ovum in a female mammal already pregnant.
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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
Related formssu·per·fe·tate, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for superfetation

Historical Examples

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

    The Ethics of Medical Homicide and Mutilation

    Austin O'Malley

British Dictionary definitions for superfetation

superfetation

noun
  1. physiol the presence in the uterus of two fetuses developing from ova fertilized at different times
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Derived Formssuperfetate (ˌsuːpəˈfiːteɪt), adjective

Word Origin

C17 superfetate, from Latin superfētāre to fertilize when already pregnant, from super- + fētāre to impregnate, from fētus offspring
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012