agenesis

noun

agen·​e·​sis (ˌ)ā-ˈje-nə-səs How to pronounce agenesis (audio)
: lack or failure of development (as of a body part)

Examples of agenesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Bilateral renal agenesis: This condition happens when the fetus’s kidneys don’t develop. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024 Cooper Jones has sacral agenesis, a congenital condition that affects the lower spine. Longreads, 3 May 2024 An autopsy confirmed his condition occurred naturally, not because of a genetic defect, as can be the case with renal agenesis. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 The fetus had bilateral renal agenesis, a condition incompatible with life because the two kidneys never develop. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 However, the absence of both in utero (bilateral renal agenesis) impacts the development of the lungs. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 27 Oct. 2023 White took a hit during practice that caused abdominal pain, which led to the revelation that he was born with one kidney, a condition called renal agenesis. Chicago Tribune Staff, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2023 Renal agenesis – the absence of kidneys – was on the list. Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, 2 May 2023 People with this form of agenesis have trouble moving information from one hemisphere to the other. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2011

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + genesis, on the model of French agénésie

First Known Use

circa 1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of agenesis was circa 1879

Dictionary Entries Near agenesis

Cite this Entry

“Agenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agenesis. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

agenesis

noun
agen·​e·​sis (ˈ)ā-ˈjen-ə-səs How to pronounce agenesis (audio)
plural ageneses -ˌsēz How to pronounce agenesis (audio)
: lack or failure of development (as of a body part)

More from Merriam-Webster on agenesis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!