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

Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024

In children, exposure to heavy metals has been linked to lower IQ scores, intellectual disabilities, behavioral disorders, respiratory problems, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and pregnant people can experience miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects in their children. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

And as with Zika, a mother can transmit the virus to the fetus during pregnancy — which can lead to birth defects and even fetal death. —Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024

There also isn’t any evidence that fluoride can cause birth defects in humans, according to the CDC. —Nadia Kounang, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024

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