superfetation

[ soo-per-fee-tey-shuhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

superfetation

/ ˌsuːpəˈfiːteɪt; ˌsuːpəfiːˈteɪʃən /

noun

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

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Derived Forms

superfetate, adjective

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Other Words From

super·fetate adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of superfetation¹

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of superfetation¹

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

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Example Sentences

He became the victim of a sort of intellectual superfetation.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

superfemale superficial

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