Definition

A female calf that is usually sterile and born alongside a male calf, often due to a shared placenta during pregnancy.

Example

The farmer explained that the freemartin would not be able to reproduce because of its condition.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a freemartin?

Yeah, I read about them in an article once.

It's interesting how they're born as twins with a bull calf.

Right? It's fascinating but also really sad for them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Freemartin is derived from the combination of 'free' (from Old English 'freo', meaning not in bondage or liberated) and 'martin' (from Old French 'martin', referring to a male animal, particularly a male of the species). The term specifically refers to a female calf that is born twin to a male calf and is often sterile, hence the implication of being 'free' from the ability to reproduce.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'free' calf that cannot reproduce because it is a twin to a male — this helps you remember that a freemartin is a female calf that is often sterile.

Visually Confused Words