malformation

noun

mal·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmal-fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce malformation (audio)
-fər-
: irregular, anomalous, abnormal, or faulty formation or structure

Examples of malformation in a Sentence

The condition is marked by malformation of the spine. She underwent surgery to correct a heart malformation.
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.
Dangers of pesticides Pesticides have been linked in studies to premature births, congenital malformations such as neural tube defects, spontaneous abortions and an increase in genetic damage in humans. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 June 2025 More than 65% of the abortions took place due to a lethal fetal anomaly, such as anencephaly, where a baby's brain and skull were missing or incomplete, or congenital heart malformation. Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 15 May 2025 Other effects, such as developmental malformations in a fetus and cancer, have also been linked to this surfactant.1312 2. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025 After a long, eight-year battle, in which the hospital claimed that Maura had a genetic underlying vascular malformation in the brain, jurors sided with the Gallaghers, concluding that Maura's death was preventable. Gillian Telling, People.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for malformation

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malformation was in 1800

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malformation. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

malformation

noun
mal·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmal-fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce malformation (audio)
-fər-
: a misshapen, abnormal, or faulty formation or structure
malformation of the knee joint

Medical Definition

malformation

noun
mal·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmal-fȯr-ˈmā-shən, -fər- How to pronounce malformation (audio)
: irregular, anomalous, abnormal, or faulty formation or structure
congenital malformations
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