twin

Everyday

1. A twin is one of two children born to the same mother at the same time. tree →
2. Twin can mean one of a pair of two things that are the same or very alike. tree →
3. In British use, two towns are twinned when they are friends and partners with a town in another country. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, identical twins come from one egg and share the same genes; non-identical (fraternal) twins come from two eggs and can be a boy and a girl. In everyday life, «twin beds» are two single beds; «twin towns» exchange visits. In maths problems, twins have the same age. Phrases: «identical twins», «twin brother», «twin sister», «twin beds», «twin town».

Examples

• Emma and Ella are twins. tree →
• My twin brother is ten minutes older than me. tree →
• Identical twins can look almost exactly the same. tree →
• The hotel room had twin beds. tree →
• Our town is twinned with a town in France. tree →
• The twins are 9, so together their ages add up to 18. tree →
• The plane has twin engines. tree →
• The first twin came to Peter. “Father, we want to dance.” tree →

Note

Countable noun: «a twin», «twins». Twins always have the same age (in maths, same age, born the same day). «Identical» twins are always the same sex; «fraternal» twins may be different. Triplets are three, quadruplets four.

In Jewish tradition

"Twined linen" is strong linen thread twisted from several strands, used for the Tabernacle's hangings and priestly clothes.

Interpretation. Tradition notes that the twisted threads show careful craft and the holiness of the things made.

Examples

• All the hangings of the court round about were of fine twined linen. (Torah EXO.38.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. (Torah EXO.39.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they made upon the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen. (Torah EXO.39.24, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun: «a twin», «twins». Twins always have the same age (in maths, same age, born the same day). «Identical» twins are always the same sex; «fraternal» twins may be different. Triplets are three, quadruplets four.