—n.
1 each of a closely related or associated pair, esp. of children or animals born at a birth.
2 the exact counterpart of a person or thing.
3 a compound crystal one part of which is in a reversed position with reference to the other.
4 (the Twins) the zodiacal sign or constellation Gemini.
—adj.
1 forming, or being one of, such a pair (twin brothers).
2 Bot. growing in pairs.
3 consisting of two closely connected and similar parts.
—v. (twinned, twinning)
1 tr. & intr. a join intimately together. b (foll. by with) pair.
2 intr. bear twins.
3 intr. grow as a twin crystal.
4 intr. & tr. Brit. link or cause (a town) to link with one in a different country, for the purposes of friendship and cultural exchange.
Phrases and idioms:
twin bed each of a pair of single beds. twin-engined having two engines. twin-screw (of a ship) having two propellers on separate shafts with opposite twists. twin set esp. Brit. a woman's matching cardigan and jumper. twin town Brit. a town which is twinned with another.
Derivatives:
twinning n.
Etymology: OE twinn double, f. twi- two: cf. ON tvinnr
Useful english dictionary. 2012.