dysplasia

noun

dys·​pla·​sia dis-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə 

: abnormal growth or development (as of organs or cells)

broadly : abnormal anatomical structure due to such growth

dysplastic

dis-ˈpla-stik 

adjective

Examples of dysplasia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite delays due to his extreme prematurity, which was caused by the chronic disease bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and a long 16-month hospital stay split between the neonatal intensive care unit and the pediatric intensive care unit, John continues to make progress. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

According to Tara, Witley has a rare form of skeletal dysplasia (SEDKF) which the National Institute of Rare Disorders describes as a rare genetic skeletal disorder that affects the spine and long bones. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024

Moderate to severe dysplasia may require some treatment to prevent cancer from developing. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024

Tubular adenomas exhibit moderate-grade dysplasia and are least likely to become malignant.22 Tubulovillous adenomas: These share features of tubular and villous adenomas. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Dysplasie, from dys- dys- + -plasie -plasia

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dysplasia

noun

dys·​pla·​sia dis-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə 

1

: variation in somatotype (as in degree of ectomorphy, endomorphy, or mesomorphy) from one part of a human body to another

2

: abnormal growth or development (as of organs or cells)

broadly : abnormal anatomic structure due to such growth

dysplastic

-ˈplas-tik 

adjective