dysplasia

noun

dys·​pla·​sia dis-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə How to pronounce dysplasia (audio)
: abnormal growth or development (as of organs or cells)
broadly : abnormal anatomical structure due to such growth
dysplastic adjective

Examples of dysplasia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Over time, this can lead to the deterioration of joint cartilage, which, like hip dysplasia, allows for painful bone on bone rubbing. Holistapet, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 According to the Mayo Clinic, hip dysplasia can cause complications such as osteoarthritis or a hip labral tear. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 1 Feb. 2024 After veterinarian visits and X-rays, the Rivas family learned that Louie was suffering from an underdeveloped pelvis and genetic hip dysplasia that would leave the dog in apparent pain with extended walking or running. Shahid Meighan, The Enquirer, 19 Jan. 2024 Further testing revealed that the fetus had skeletal dysplasia — a severe, life-limiting anomaly. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 14 Dec. 2023 More testing revealed that Meagan's fetus had skeletal dysplasia — a severe, life-limiting anomaly, in which rare genetic disorders result in an abnormal development of a baby's bones, joints and cartilage. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2023 Whether your pup needs relief from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or general aches and pains, The Dog's Bed Orthopedic Headrest Dog Bed is a smart investment in your furry friend's health and happiness. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2023 For instance, if your pet is completely healthy at the time of enrollment, but develops hip dysplasia four months after the policy’s effective date—during the policy waiting period—the insurer won’t cover any treatments related to that condition during your pet’s lifetime. Kat Tretina, wsj.com, 8 Jan. 2024 The best pet insurance companies have waiting periods of 14 days or less for both accidents and injuries, but some companies have waiting periods as long as 12 months for certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament issues or hip dysplasia. Kat Tretina, wsj.com, 8 Jan. 2024

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

probably borrowed from German Dysplasie, from dys- dys- + -plasie -plasia

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dysplasia was circa 1923

Dictionary Entries Near dysplasia

dysphrasia

dysplasia

dyspnea

Cite this Entry

“Dysplasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysplasia. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

dysplasia

noun
dys·​pla·​sia dis-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə How to pronounce dysplasia (audio)
1
: variation in somatotype (as in degree of ectomorphy, endomorphy, or mesomorphy) from one part of a human body to another
2
: abnormal growth or development (as of organs or cells)
broadly : abnormal anatomic structure due to such growth
dysplastic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dysplasia

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