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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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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.

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    +1. Wikipedia writes here that the reciprocal single birth is a "singleton"
    – simchona
    Sep 27, 2011 at 4:16
  • +1 And I wrote the same thing here.
    – Daniel
    Sep 28, 2011 at 0:31
  • 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.
    – Terry
    Sep 28, 2011 at 23:33
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"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). Jul 21, 2020 at 4:21
  • When looking up the term "gemel" it seem to be geared towards meaning just "twin".
    – skyking
    May 23, 2022 at 13:59

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