Digenetic is a term used in biology to describe organisms that undergo two distinct phases of development, typically including changes in hosts or environments. Synonyms for digenetic include heteroxenous, which refers specifically to organisms that require more than one host for successful development, and amphixenous, which has a similar meaning but can also be applied to organisms that have different environments at different stages. Other synonyms for digenetic include digenous, didelphic, and heterogonic. Understanding these different terms can help scientists more clearly communicate about the complex life cycles of many different types of organisms, from parasitic worms to certain insects and fish.