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

At their initial appointment, still in September, the doctor determined via ultrasound that one of the babies had a type of birth defect called a cystic hygroma, which can increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth or lead to genetic conditions like Down syndrome. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2024

In 1964 and 1965, rubella — an epidemic that struck every six to nine years — caused about 11,000 pregnancies to be miscarried, 2,100 newborns to die and 20,000 infants to be born with birth defects. —Sam Roberts, New York Times, 21 May 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