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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

"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

Other Word Forms


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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

The odds of all three of them happening are without doubt extremely small as reflected by the very occasional reports of superfetation in humans in the medical literature.

From Scientific American ● Apr. 27, 2011

The phenomenon of superfetation in animals has long been speculated as far back as fourth century B.C by Aristotle.

From Scientific American ● Apr. 27, 2011

His sense suffers from a superfetation of figures, or from the undue pursuit of a figure, till the 'wind of the poor phrase is cracked.'

From Hours in a Library New Edition, with Additions. Vol. II (of 3) by Sir Leslie Stephen

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