acar·dius
| \ (ˈ)ā-ˈkärd-ē-əs
\
\
Medical Definition of acardius
: one of a pair of twin fetuses that develops without a heart and receives its blood supply from its twin through vascular connections on the placenta
… due to the parasitic relationship of the acardius, there is a high risk of mortality (50-75%) in the donor twin …— Ona Marie Faye-Peterson et al., Handbook of Placental Pathology, 2006
Learn More About acardius
Cite this Entry
“Acardius.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/acardius. Accessed 22 Oct. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Test Your Vocabulary
Dog Words Quiz
-
- Which of the following animals has a dog in its etymology?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Name that Thing: Musical Instruments
Can you correctly identify these musical instrume...
Take the quiz
-
Surprising Latin American Origins Behind Everyday Words
What treat did the Aztecs refer to as "bitter wat...
Take the quiz
-
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz
Share acardius