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Definition of Freemartin

1. n. An imperfect female calf, twinborn with a male.

Definition of Freemartin

1. Noun. A female calf, born as twin with a bull calf, but sexually imperfect (often infertile). ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Freemartin

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Freemartin

1. A condition occurring in dizygotic twins of different sexes in cattle, where an imperfect masculinised sterile female twin calf is born with a male. This results from twin foetuses of opposite sexes in which the chorionic blood vessels become fused at an early stage of embryonic development, with the result that the hormones of the male twin are conveyed in the circulation to the female twin and influence its sexual development. Both calves are blood cell chimeras with immune tolerance, due to interchange of cells in utero. Freemartins are a type of hermaphrodite with underdeveloped uterus, enlarged penis-like clitoris, and, sometimes, structures resembling the ductus deferens and seminal vesicles. (21 Jun 2000)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Freemartin

Literary usage of Freemartin

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant: Embracing English, American, and Anglo by Charles Godfrey Leland (1889)
"freemartin (veterinary), a calf which is one of twins, the twins being one of each sex; the sexual organs of one or both are imperfectly developed or ..."

2. Reviews in Environmental Health (1998): Toxicological Defense Mechanics edited by Gary E. R. Hook, George W. Lucier (2000)
"However, a freemartin phenomenon was considered less likely because the bears examined had evidence of prior reproduction (placental scars, lactation, ..."

3. A Glossary of Berkshire Words and Phrases by Job Lowsley, Barzillai Lowsley (1888)
"by cutting a sod on which the diseased foot has pressed, and hanging it on a blackthorn bush. This disease is mentioned by Fitzherbert. freemartin, n ..."

4. A Glossary of West Worcestershire Words by Edith L. Chamberlain, Thomas Hallam (1882)
"freemartin, n. When twin calves, male and female, are produced, the latter is called a freemartin, under the belief that it is barren. ..."

5. Publications by English Dialect Society (1896)
"*freemartin. A barren heifer [WQW]. Frenchman. Any man, of any country, who cannot speak English ; as any one who does not understand East Anglian is a ..."

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