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

The herbicide has been linked to significant health concerns, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), endocrine disruption, a decrease in fertility and increase in birth defects, according to the nonprofit organization Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025

Certain Aspergillus mycotoxins can cause birth defects, increase your liver cancer risk, and trigger kidney and immune system problems, for instance, according to the FDA. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 1 May 2025

Due to isotretinoin’s high risk of causing birth defects, strict protocols have been established to ensure that patients, especially those who can become pregnant, adhere to safety measures during treatment. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025

Born with a congenital birth defect, Sandoval, 18, has been visually impaired his entire life. —Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

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