How Do You Spell PYGOPAGUS?

Pronunciation: [pˈa͡ɪɡəpˌaɡəs] (IPA)

Pygopagus is a medical term used to describe a type of conjoined twins who are joined at the buttocks. The word is spelled as /paɪˈɡɒpəɡəs/ in the IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable ‘pygo’ sounds like ‘pie-go’ and represents the Greek root ‘pyg’, which means buttock. The second syllable ‘pagus’ sounds like ‘pag-us’ and represents the Greek root ‘pagos’, which means fixed or joined. Therefore, the combination of these two roots gives us the word ‘pygopagus’, meaning joined at the buttocks.

PYGOPAGUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Pygopagus is a medical term referring to a congenital condition known as pygopagus parasiticus, a type of conjoined twins. The condition occurs when twins are fused back-to-back at the buttocks, sharing a common pelvis and lower spine. In pygopagus, one twin is fully formed and typically functions normally, while the other twin is smaller and underdeveloped, often lacking complete organ systems or having only rudimentary structures.

    The term "pygopagus" is derived from the Greek words "pyge," meaning buttocks, and "pagos," meaning fixed or fastened. This accurately describes the location of fusion in these twins.

    Pygopagus parasiticus is an extremely rare condition, accounting for less than 1% of all conjoined twins. The parasitic twin, also known as the autosite, is dependent on the dominant twin, called the parasite, for its survival. The parasite twin may have extra limbs or body parts, and they are typically incapable of independent movement. Surgical intervention is often necessary to separate the twins, but it is a complex and high-risk procedure due to the shared pelvis and lower spinal column.

    The study and understanding of pygopagus is essential for medical professionals, as it helps to identify and classify the various forms of conjoined twins accurately. Advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques have shown promising results in improving the quality of life for those affected by pygopagus parasiticus. However, due to its rarity and unique anatomical challenges, the condition remains a subject of ongoing research and study in the field of medicine.

  2. A double monster, the two developed individuals being joined at the buttocks, usually back to back.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PYGOPAGUS

  • oygopagus
  • lygopagus
  • -ygopagus
  • 0ygopagus
  • ptgopagus
  • pggopagus
  • phgopagus
  • pugopagus
  • p7gopagus
  • p6gopagus
  • pyfopagus
  • pyvopagus
  • pybopagus
  • pyhopagus
  • pyyopagus
  • pytopagus
  • pygipagus
  • pygkpagus
  • pyglpagus
  • pygppagus

Etymology of PYGOPAGUS

The word "pygopagus" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "pygos" meaning "buttocks" or "rump", and "pagos" meaning "fixed" or "firmly attached". The term is used in medicine to describe a particular type of conjoined twins who are joined at the buttocks or lower back. The term was coined in the mid-19th century and reflects the anatomical connection between the twins.

Similar spelling words for PYGOPAGUS

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