Superfetation

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Superfetation \Su`per*fe*ta"tion\, n. [Cf. F. superf['e]tation.]
     (Physiol.)
     The formation of a fetus at the result of an impregnation
     occurring after another impregnation but before the birth of
     the offspring produced by it. This is possible only when
     there is a double uterus, or where menstruation persists up


     to the time of the second impregnation.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           In then became a superfetation upon, and not an
           ingredient in, the national character.   --Coleridge.
     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  superfetation
       n : fertilization of a second ovum after a pregnancy has begun;
           results in two fetuses of different ages in the uterus at
           the same time; "superfetation is normal in some animal
           species"