Definition

1. Noun:
   • One of two twins who developed from two separate fertilized eggs: A dizygotic twin is one of a pair of siblings born from the same pregnancy but resulting from two distinct eggs (ova) fertilized by two separate sperm cells. They are genetically similar to ordinary siblings, sharing approximately 50% of their genes on average, and can be of the same or different sexes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Because they are dizygotic twins, they look no more alike than regular brothers and sisters.
  • The doctor explained that dizygotic twins result from the fertilization of two separate eggs.
  • She and her brother are dizygotic twins, which is why they have different hair colors.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Medical Context: The term is primarily used in genetics, medicine, and biology to specify the type of twinning. It is often contrasted with "monozygotic twins" (identical twins).
  • The study compared cognitive development in monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs.

Variants and Related Words

• Fraternal twin: This is the common, non-technical synonym for a dizygotic twin.
  • In everyday language, dizygotic twins are usually called fraternal twins.
• Monozygotic twin: The antonym; a twin resulting from the splitting of a single fertilized egg, leading to genetically identical individuals.
• Dizygotic (adjective): Pertaining to or being dizygotic twins.
  • They are a dizygotic pair.

Synonyms

• Fraternal twin: The most direct and commonly used synonym in general English.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Non-identical twin: Another descriptive synonym for dizygotic twin.
• Twin study: A research method that often involves comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins to understand the influence of genetics versus environment on traits.

Noun

1. either of two twins who developed from two separate fertilized eggs