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birth defect
noun
: a physical or biochemical defect that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced
Examples of birth defect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Because if any child was conceived on a Monday evening, the beginning of Tuesday would be considered unlucky, and the baby would likely have birth defects.
—Kaity Kline, NPR, 13 Sep. 2024
The 1986 California law, Proposition 65, requires businesses to inform state residents about products containing toxic substances – including heavy metals – that are known to cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive harm.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 31 July 2024
Share [Findings] The Journal of Pediatric Genetics retracted a study on Islamic beliefs concerning the possible supernatural causes of birth defects on the grounds that the research lacked a scientific basis.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
Better understanding of this process in flies can help researchers gain insight into embryonic development in other species, which can aid research into cancer and birth defects.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for birth defect
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'birth defect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1864, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near birth defect
Cite this Entry
“Birth defect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/birth%20defect. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
birth defect
noun
: a serious defect (as in physical or mental function) that is present at birth and is inherited or caused by something that happens or exists in the environment
Medical Definition
birth defect
noun
: a physical or biochemical defect (as cleft palate, phenylketonuria, or Down syndrome) that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced
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