superfetation

See also: superfétation

English

Alternative forms

• superfoetation

Etymology

From Latin superfetare (“conceive while pregnant”), from super- +‎ fetus.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /suːpəfəˈteɪʃən/

Noun

superfetation (countable and uncountable, plural superfetations)

1. The formation of a fetus while another fetus is already present in the uterus.
2. An excessive accumulation; a superfluous addition.
   • 1992, Geoffrey Wall, translator of Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary

     These gentlemen were greatly astonished at Bovary's romantic ideas, and the pharmacist hurried in to say to him: "This velvet looks to me rather a superfetation. Besides, the expense..."

Related terms

• superfetate
• superfetatious

Translations

formation of a fetus while another fetus is already present in the uterus.

• French: superfétation (fr) f
• Ido: superfetaciono (io)