deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mə-tē How to pronounce deformity (audio)
dē-
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: imperfection, blemish: such as
a
: a physical blemish or distortion : disfigurement
b
: a moral or aesthetic flaw or defect

Examples of deformity in a Sentence

a disease causing deformity of the spine a primitive culture that cast aside infants born with deformities, allowing them to die of exposure to the elements
Recent Examples on the Web Allie Phillips, another Tennessee plaintiff, documented her pregnancy loss on social media, describing the turmoil of discovering during a routine ultrasound at 18 weeks and 5 days that her second baby, Miley Rose, had multiple deformities. Frances Stead Sellers, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Sep. 2023 The swirls and knots of burl wood are the result of a tree deformity, usually caused by stress from an injury or an infection. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 Farm workers were required to use the tool to thin and weed, forcing them to stoop during long hours in the sunny fields, causing debilitating back and spinal deformities. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2023 Larry Pickens, 29, allegedly gunned down the acclaimed doctor, who was known for his expertise in treating children with congenital hand deformities, in an exam room. Rebecca Rosenberg, Fox News, 13 July 2023 The ingredients dicamba, triclopyr, and 2,4-D are included in many weed killer products and are common culprits when leaf deformities appear, though some formulations of these chemicals are less likely to drift than others. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 19 June 2023 There, the kids underwent complex plastic and reconstructive surgery — procedures that aren’t available in Ukraine because of the ongoing Russian invasion — for treatment of a bomb blast injury, to ease pain and deformities caused by constricting burn scars, and to repair congenital anomalies. Freep.com, 9 June 2023 Neither are the other possible effects such as spinal deformities and sudden death. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 2 Apr. 2023 When the limb deformities associated with thalidomide were discovered, Kelsey was awarded a medal by President John F. Kennedy. Perri Klass, Washington Post, 23 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deformity.' 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

Middle English deformite, from Middle French defformeteit, from Latin deformitat-, deformitas, from deformis deformed, from de- + forma

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deformity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near deformity

Cite this Entry

“Deformity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deformity. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

deformity

noun
de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē How to pronounce deformity (audio)
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: a physical blemish or twisting out of a natural shape or condition
3
: a morally disgusting or artistically ugly imperfection

Medical Definition

deformity

noun
de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē How to pronounce deformity (audio)
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: a physical blemish or distortion
deformities caused by thalidomide

More from Merriam-Webster on deformity

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