monozygotic, a. (n.) Biol.
(mɒnəʊzaɪˈgɒtɪk)
[f. mono- + zygote + -ic.]
Of twins (also rarely of triplets, etc.): derived from a single ovum (and therefore identical). Also as n., such an individual.
| 1917 H. H. Newman Biol. of Twins 3 Such twins, quadruplets, or larger sets of offspring are known as monozygotic. 1930, etc. [see dizygotic a.] 1957 Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. LXIV. 759 Because the twins were believed to be probable monozygotics, excess skin was taken from the less extensively burned twin and cross-transplanted to her sister. 1965 Listener 24 June 930/2 We have learnt, too, the significance of a natural freak—the monozygotic or identical twin. 1968 [see monozygosity below]. 1970 Sci. Jrnl. June 30/2 Such monozygotic twins..form only a small proportion of all twins. |
Hence monozyˈgosity, the property of being monozygotic.
| 1928 Biol. Abstr. II. 685/2 (heading) Value of dactyloscopic and dermatologic methods in diagnosing monozygosity in twins. 1952 New Biol. XII. 28 The only method at present available for diagnosing monozygosity involves comparison of as many morphological and physiological characters as possible. 1968 Obstetr. & Gynecol. Survey XXIII. 940 Two-thirds of monozygotic twins have a single placenta with a single chorion, and the diagnosis of monozygosity can be definitely established in this two-thirds. |