twin
Meaning: One of two children born at the same time to the same mother; or something forming a matching pair
A twin is one of two children born from the same pregnancy. Twins can be identical (from the same egg) or fraternal (from different eggs). The word is also used as an adjective to describe matching pairs, as in 'twin beds' or 'twin towns' (cities with formal partnerships). As a verb, it means to link or pair together.
Examples
- My sister and I are identical twins. 我和我姐姐是同卵双胞胎。Mi hermana y yo somos gemelas idénticas.私と姉は一卵性双生児です。저와 언니는 일란성 쌍둥이입니다.
- The hotel room had twin beds. 酒店房间有两张单人床。La habitación del hotel tenía camas gemelas.ホテルの部屋にはツインベッドがありました。호텔 방에는 트윈 베드가 있었습니다.
- Oxford is twinned with several cities around the world. 牛津与世界各地的多个城市结为姐妹城市。Oxford está hermanada con varias ciudades de todo el mundo.オックスフォードは世界中のいくつかの都市と姉妹都市になっています。옥스퍼드는 세계 여러 도시와 자매결연을 맺고 있습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'twinn' meaning 'double, two by two', from Proto-Germanic 'twisnjaz' (double), from the root 'twi-' (two). Related to 'two', 'twice', 'twist', 'twine', and 'between'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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