I’m wondering if there is single term to indicate that a child is a twin, triplet, quadruplet, etc., without specifying the exact number of siblings in the multiple birth. For example, a “multiple-birth child”.
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2 Answers
From various websites like sjmoms.com, it looks like the term multiples is commonly used for twins, triplets, etc. So I assume one of the multiples could simply be called a multiple.
answered Sep 27, 2011 at 3:18
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3+1. Wikipedia writes here that the reciprocal single birth is a "singleton"– user10893Commented Sep 27, 2011 at 4:16
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Thank you for your help. I've heard it abbreviated to 'multy/multies' too. In context I think that works, but without introducing your subject I think the term multiple would be too general. However, that is probably the best we can do. It's not a subject that arises often in my world, so if it does the context will probably already be clear. Thanks again.– TerryCommented Sep 28, 2011 at 23:33
"Gemel(s)" (late fourteenth century-) might have worked had it not gone extinct. The adjective "geminate" would come in handy. "Geminate brothers" got some hits just now, and "geminate sisters" even more . . .
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Nice answer of historical interest which would benefit from a linked reference to an authoritative source. Welcome to EL&U, enjoy our tour and when you have some spare-time, read-up in the help center about how we work. (You should be aware, your post technically isn't an answer to the question and might have better served as a comment. You will be able to leave comments on other's posts as soon as you have sufficient reputation). Commented Jul 21, 2020 at 4:21
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When looking up the term "gemel" it seem to be geared towards meaning just "twin".– skykingCommented May 23, 2022 at 13:59