deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mə-tē 

dē-

plural deformities

1

: the state of being deformed

2

: imperfection, blemish: such as

a

: a physical blemish or distortion : disfigurement

b

: a moral or aesthetic flaw or defect

Synonyms

• blemish
• blight
• blotch
• defect
• disfigurement
• excrescence
• excrescency
• fault
• flaw
• imperfection
• mar
• mark
• pockmark
• scar

Examples of deformity in a Sentence

a disease causing deformity of the spine

a primitive culture that cast aside infants born with deformities, allowing them to die of exposure to the elements

Recent Examples on the Web

Infections can range from mild or barely noticeable to severe, affecting multiple toenails and causing pain or nail deformity. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 19 May 2024

They can also be associated with nasal deformities, high blood pressure, and can even be an early sign of leukemia. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 6 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deformite, from Middle French defformeteit, from Latin deformitat-, deformitas, from deformis deformed, from de- + forma

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē 

plural deformities

1

: the state of being deformed

2

: a physical blemish or twisting out of a natural shape or condition

3

: a morally disgusting or artistically ugly imperfection

Medical Definition

deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē 

plural deformities

1

: the state of being deformed

2

: a physical blemish or distortion

deformities caused by thalidomide