abnormality

noun

ab·​nor·​mal·​i·​ty ˌab-nər-ˈma-lə-tē How to pronounce abnormality (audio)
-(ˌ)nȯr-
plural abnormalities
1
: something abnormal
2
: the quality or state of being abnormal

Examples of abnormality in a Sentence

The test results showed several genetic abnormalities. There was some abnormality in his vision.
Recent Examples on the Web Physical abnormalities may lead to complications during infancy if untreated.2 As a result, childhood death occurs most often with those types. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 10 Sep. 2023 From the moment the children’s existence was made public, scientists have clamored for information about their genetic health, amid dire warnings of likely abnormalities. Dana Goodyear, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2023 False positives and detection of benign abnormalities could send patients down a path of unnecessary follow-up tests and interventions. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 18 Aug. 2023 Lynn Bowlby Eye abnormalities such as glaucoma are detected from images taken of the retinal fundus during a standard examination. IEEE Spectrum, 25 July 2023 Also, health care providers may have trouble placing an epidural for those with spinal abnormalities like scoliosis or rheumatic diseases and those with a history of spinal surgery or trauma. Kristi Pahr, Parents, 8 Sep. 2023 The infant, who weighed just over 3 lbs., was diagnosed with a genetic abnormality, but Woods wasn’t made aware of the extent of the condition before her baby was discharged from the hospital, according to the Advocate. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 19 Aug. 2023 These can include diarrhea or liver enzyme abnormalities. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Aug. 2023 In the 1990s and early 2000s, AI algorithms began deciphering complex patterns in X-rays, CT scans and MRI images to spot abnormalities that the human eye might miss. Pranshu Verma, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abnormality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

abnormal entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abnormality was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near abnormality

Cite this Entry

“Abnormality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abnormality. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

abnormality

noun
ab·​nor·​mal·​i·​ty ˌab-nər-ˈmal-ət-ē How to pronounce abnormality (audio)
-(ˌ)nȯr-
plural abnormalities
1
: the state of being abnormal
2
: something abnormal

Medical Definition

abnormality

noun
ab·​nor·​mal·​i·​ty ˌab-nər-ˈmal-ət-ē, -(ˌ)nȯr- How to pronounce abnormality (audio)
plural abnormalities
1
: the quality or state of being abnormal
2
: something abnormal
brain-wave abnormalities

More from Merriam-Webster on abnormality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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