How Do You Spell SIAMESE TWINS?

Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪəmˌiːz twˈɪnz] (IPA)

The spelling of "Siamese twins" might seem confusing, as the proper name for conjoined twins is actually "Chang and Eng," after the famous twins it was coined for. However, the term "Siamese twins" has been commonly used since then, and is spelled with a combination of vowel sounds. The first syllable, "Sia," is pronounced with a long "i" (IPA: /saɪ/), while the second syllable, "mese," is pronounced with a short "e" (IPA: /mɛs/). The word "twins," of course, is pronounced as it appears.

SIAMESE TWINS Meaning and Definition

1. Siamese twins refers to identical twins who are physically joined together at birth. This condition, known as conjoined twins, occurs when two embryos do not fully separate during early development in the womb. The term "Siamese twins" originates from the famous case of Chang and Eng Bunker, conjoined twins born in Siam (now Thailand) in the early 19th century.

   Siamese twins are connected by various degrees of shared body tissues, such as skin, organs, or skeletal structures. The connection between them can be as minimal as a small band or as complex as sharing major portions of their bodies. Each case is unique, and the level of separation and shared structures vary widely.

   These twins often face numerous medical challenges, including shared circulation, breathing difficulties, and compromised organ function. Their treatment plans and options depend on the specific circumstances, as well as the expertise and resources available to medical professionals.

   Siamese twins have captivated public interest and sparked curiosity throughout history, leading to increased awareness and understanding of this rare phenomenon. With advancements in medical technology, separation surgeries have become possible in certain cases, allowing some conjoined twins to live separate and relatively independent lives.

   It is important to note that the term "Siamese twins" is considered outdated and potentially offensive. The preferred terminology currently used is "conjoined twins," which focuses on their shared physical connection rather than their birthplace or nationality.

2. Joined twins, Chang and Eng by name, born in Siam in 1811, who for many years were exhibited in the United States and finally settled in North Carolina, married, and brought up families. They died in 1874, Chang being found dead in bed one morning, and Eng dying a few hours later. The one dying first was intemperate, but his potations had no effect on the other, although post mortem there was found a communication between the portal system of the two brothers, a thin bar of liver tissue extending through the connecting band. Teratologically the two constituted a xiphopagus.

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

Common Misspellings for SIAMESE TWINS

• aiamese twins
• ziamese twins
• xiamese twins
• diamese twins
• eiamese twins
• wiamese twins
• suamese twins
• sjamese twins
• skamese twins
• soamese twins
• s9amese twins
• s8amese twins
• sizmese twins
• sismese twins
• siwmese twins
• siqmese twins
• sianese twins
• siakese twins
• siajese twins
• siamwse twins

Etymology of SIAMESE TWINS

The term "Siamese twins" originated from the conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker, who were born in Siam (now Thailand) in 1811. They were joined at the chest by a small band of flesh and cartilage and gained worldwide fame for their unusual condition. As a result, the term "Siamese twins" was coined to describe conjoined twins in general. The term has continued to be used, even though it is now considered outdated and has been replaced by more medically accurate terms such as "conjoined twins" or "dicephalus".