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, 22 Jan. 2025
Exposure over time has been associated with certain cancers, birth defects and cognitive impairment.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025
Exposure in the early months of pregnancy could cause permanent birth defects.
—Sheila Jaffe, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025
Participants also suggest that their current birthmarks or birth defects correspond to wounds from a previous life.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for birth defect 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
Exposure over time has been associated with certain cancers, birth defects and cognitive impairment.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025
Exposure in the early months of pregnancy could cause permanent birth defects.
—Sheila Jaffe, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025
Participants also suggest that their current birthmarks or birth defects correspond to wounds from a previous life.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for birth defect
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 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share