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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
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, 23 Oct. 2024
There was a 10% increase in infant mortality with birth defects, which can cover heart abnormalities, spina bifida and other disorders.
—Adriel Bettelheim, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024
In some cases, babies with a birth defect may only survive a few months.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024
Most developmental defects happen in the first trimester of pregnancy; for example, cleft palate, a potentially debilitating birth defect, occurs sometime before week nine for reasons that scientists don’t yet understand.
—Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024
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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 26 Nov. 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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