Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Derived from a single fertilized egg: Describes twins (or other multiples) that originate from one zygote (a single egg fertilized by a single sperm) which subsequently splits into two or more embryos.

Usage

• This term is used almost exclusively in biological, medical, and genetic contexts to describe the origin of twins or other multiples.
• It is a technical adjective that modifies nouns like "twins," "siblings," or "offspring."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Monozygotic twins share 100% of their genetic material.
  • The study compared the health outcomes of monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
  • Because they are monozygotic, the two sisters are genetically identical.

Advanced Usage

• "monozygotic pregnancy": A pregnancy resulting from a single fertilized egg that has split.
  • A monozygotic pregnancy carries specific risks, such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
• Used in contrast with "dizygotic" (fraternal twins, from two separate eggs).

Variants and Related Words

• Monozygosity (noun): The state or condition of being derived from a single zygote.
  • DNA testing confirmed the monozygosity of the twins.
• MZ twins (abbreviation): A common abbreviation for "monozygotic twins."

Synonyms

• Identical (in the context of twins): Genetically identical twins.
  • Note: "Identical twins" is the common, non-technical term for "monozygotic twins."

Antonyms

• Dizygotic (adj.): Derived from two separate fertilized eggs; fraternal.
• Fraternal (in the context of twins): The common term for dizygotic twins.

Adjective

1. derived from a single fertilized egg
   • monozygotic twins