Main Entry: con·gen·i·tal

Pronunciation: \kən-ˈje-nə-t^əl, kän-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin congenitus, from com- + genitus, past participle of gignere to bring forth — more at kin

Date: 1796

1 a : existing at or dating from birth <congenital deafness> b : constituting an essential characteristic : inherent <congenital fear of snakes> c : acquired during development in the uterus and not through heredity <congenital syphilis>
2 : being such by nature <a congenital liar>

synonyms see innate

— con·gen·i·tal·ly \-t^əl-ē\ adverb