superfetation

[ soo-per-fee-tey-shuhn ]

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

Origin of superfetation

1
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

Other words from superfetation

  • su·per·fe·tate, adjective

Words Nearby superfetation

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How to use superfetation in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for superfetation

superfetation

/ (ˌsuːpəfiːˈteɪʃən) /


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

Origin of superfetation

1
C17 superfetate, from Latin superfētāre to fertilize when already pregnant, from super- + fētāre to impregnate, from fētus offspring

Derived forms of superfetation

  • superfetate (ˌsuːpəˈfiːteɪt), adjective

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