superfetation

American  

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

noun

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

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superfetation British  

/ ˌsuːpəfiːˈteɪʃən /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• superfetate
  adjective

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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

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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

It concluded that a phenomenon known as superfetation had occurred.

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

The question as to whether a case like this would be one of superfetation in a normal uterus, or whether the uterus was double, would immediately arise.

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

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