Definition of congenital
1a
: existing at or dating from birth
congenital deafness … a congenital neuromuscular disease that stiffens joints and weakens muscles.— Lara Cerri … scientists hope to also understand more common malformations that are congenital but not inherited.— Lee Siegel The skin markings are a benign congenital developmental condition and, on palpation, feel no different to normal skin.— Elizabeth Symes
b
: constituting an essential characteristic : inherent
A congenital taste for Greco-Roman themes, which had once found expression in his own paintings, now took the form of a pronounced weakness for buying up statuettes and medallions depicting gods and heroes of classical times.— Anthony Powell At each roll, the ship favored its congenital list, easing farther and farther toward that soft starboard side …— Robert Stone
c
: acquired during development in the uterus and not through heredity
Antiparasitic treatment is recommended in acute or congenital infection, in children with chronic infection, and in immunosuppressed patients.— Eric M. Isselbacher et al. PCBs pass through the placenta, cause congenital poisoning, and remain in human tissues for long intervals. — Scientific American Medicine Bulletin
2
: being such by nature
a congenital liar The truth was that Ward was a congenital name-dropper and snob who—though he was undoubtedly treated unfairly—largely brought his troubles upon himself.— Anthony Howard
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for congenital
The first known use of congenital was in 1796
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