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Definition of Conjoined twin
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Conjoined twin: Identical (monozygotic) twins that did not separate fully from one another but are still partially united. Due to the incomplete division of one fertilized ovum.
Conjoined twins are popularly known as Siamese twins after Chang and Eng (1811-1874), the celebrated conjoined Chinese twins born in Siam (Thailand).
Conjoin comes via French from the Latin conjungere, from com- + jungere, to join = to join or yoke together.