Identical twins Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪdɪntɪkəl ˈtwɪnz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

Two individuals developed from a single fertilized egg and share the same DNA, resulting in an identical genetic make-up and physical appearance.

Examples

• The doctor explained to the couple that the twins were identical due to the same DNA.
• The identical twins looked almost exactly alike, with only slight differences in their facial features.
• Identical twins are a rare occurrence, making up only 3 in every 1,000 births.

Etymology

The term “identical twins” comes from the Latin “idem,” meaning “the same,” and “gemelli,” meaning “twins.”

Usage Notes

When referring to identical twins, it is essential to use the correct terminology to avoid confusion with fraternal twins, which are formed from separate eggs and share the same zygote.

Cultural References

Identical twins have appeared in popular culture, such as in the TV show “Twins” where the main characters are identical twins, and in the movie “Matilda” where an identical twin is a key character.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Twins” is often used as an idiomatic expression to refer to two people or things that are similar or identical in some way.

Related Words or Phrases

• Twins
• Genetic
• Cloning

Collocations

Identical twins often collocate with words like “mirror image,” “same DNA,” “conjoined,” and “separated at birth.”

Frequency of Use

Identical twins are relatively rare, with a frequency of occurrence of approximately 3 in every 1,000 births.

Common Misspellings

• Identical twinns
• Identical twinn
• Identical twinnees