superfetation
/ˌsuːpəfiːˈteɪʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun] Medicine & Zoology
1The occurrence of a second conception during pregnancy, giving rise to embryos of different ages in the uterus: this is an example of superfetation and of ovulation during pregnancy...
- The researchers believe the combination of embryonic diapause and superfetation may benefit females, regardless of their social system, by enabling cryptic polyandry - mating with more than one male.
- When does are bred on multiple heat cycles, it may appear that superfetation has occurred due to fetal sizes and maturity differences.
- The topmost photo at right is of an ovary of the species Poeciliopsis presidionis, which has superfetation and extensive maternal provisioning.
1.1The accretion of one thing on another: the superfetation of ideas
Origin
Early 17th century: from French superfétation or modern Latin superfetatio(n-), from Latin superfetare, from super- 'above' + fetus 'fetus'.