adelphophagy

English Noun

Definition

The consumption of one embryo by another in utero, particularly among certain amphibians, sharks and fishes.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀδελφός (adelphós, “brother”) and the suffix -φαγία (-phagía), combining form of φαγεῖν (phageîn, “to eat”). By surface analysis, adelpho- + -phagy.