siamese twins: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, dated, and potentially offensive; modern preferred term is 'conjoined twins'.
Quick answer
What does “siamese twins” mean?
Conjoined twins who are physically connected at birth, historically referring to Chang and Eng Bunker from Siam (now Thailand).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Conjoined twins who are physically connected at birth, historically referring to Chang and Eng Bunker from Siam (now Thailand).
Metaphorically used to describe two entities that are closely linked or inseparable, often in a problematic or burdensome way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of outdatedness and potential offensiveness.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, with 'conjoined twins' being more common and preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “siamese twins” in a Sentence
NP be siamese twinsV (e.g., separate) siamese twinsa pair of siamese twinsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “siamese twins” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- In historical accounts, they sometimes siamesed the condition to describe the twins' connection.
American English
- Old medical texts might siamese the diagnosis, though it's no longer standard.
adverb
British English
- They lived siamesely, sharing all aspects of their lives.
American English
- The twins were connected siamesely, requiring specialized care.
adjective
British English
- The siamese attachment was noted in the early examination.
American English
- Their siamese bond made the surgery particularly complex.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; if used metaphorically, to describe closely linked companies or strategies, e.g., 'The two departments are like siamese twins.'
Academic
Avoided in formal writing; 'conjoined twins' is standard in medical and biological literature.
Everyday
Sometimes used informally but increasingly considered insensitive; best replaced with 'conjoined twins'.
Technical
In medical terminology, 'conjoined twins' is the correct term; 'siamese twins' is archaic and discouraged.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “siamese twins”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “siamese twins”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “siamese twins”
- Using 'siamese twins' in formal or medical contexts
- Confusing it with 'identical twins', which are genetically similar but not physically connected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered insensitive and outdated due to its ethnic reference; 'conjoined twins' is the preferred neutral term.
It originates from Chang and Eng Bunker, conjoined twins born in Siam (now Thailand) in 1811, who became famous in the 19th century.
Yes, it is often used metaphorically to describe two things that are closely linked, but it should be used cautiously due to potential offensiveness.
'Conjoined twins' is the medical and neutral term for twins physically connected at birth, while 'siamese twins' is a historical term derived from a specific case and is now considered dated and inappropriate.
Conjoined twins who are physically connected at birth, historically referring to Chang and Eng Bunker from Siam (now Thailand).
Siamese twins is usually informal, dated, and potentially offensive; modern preferred term is 'conjoined twins'. in register.
Siamese twins: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsaɪ.əˈmiːz twɪnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsaɪ.əˈmiz twɪnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “joined at the hip”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Recall Siam, the historical name for Thailand, where the famous conjoined twins Chang and Eng were from, to remember the term's origin.
Conceptual Metaphor
Inseparable duality often implying a challenge or burden, e.g., 'The two issues are siamese twins in this debate.'
Practice
Quiz
Which term is preferred in modern medical contexts?