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

The case was the first to establish a link between toxic waste in the atmosphere and birth defects, and the show follows the story of four mothers dealing with the tragedy. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Additional research also linked the birth defects to the heavy metal cadmium, which is known to cause birth defects in animals. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025

More than 10,000 babies were born with severe birth defects as a result of pregnant women taking the drug, and millions were paid out in compensation as a result. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025

That study found jumps in infant deaths, and even greater spikes from congenital anomalies or birth defects that cause infant mortality, compared to declines nationally. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

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