dysplasia

noun dys·pla·sia \ dis-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə \

|Updated on: 5 May 2018

Definition of dysplasia

: abnormal growth or development (as of organs or cells); broadly : abnormal anatomical structure due to such growth

—

dysplastic

play \-ˈplas-tik\ adjective

Recent Examples of dysplasia from the Web

In town to visit physicians concerning reconstructive surgery for his hip dysplasia, Hunter Gillett was allowed on the field as the Diamondbacks took batting practice.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "Alex Avila ends slump after letting youngster pick out his bat," 25 Apr. 2018
For instance, patients with cranioectodermal dysplasia can have elongated skulls with prominent ridges.

— NBC News, "Weird little Atacama skeleton was just a diseased fetus," 22 Mar. 2018
Kranig has undergone more than 30 surgeries for his rare condition: ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia, which affects his limbs and eyesight.

— jr radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Globetrotter pays heartwarming visit to 10-year-old Wisconsin boy with rare disease," 21 Mar. 2018
Back when the couple lived in San Francisco, the birth of their second daughter, Nessie, posed challenges: Born with hip dysplasia, Nessie underwent surgery in the first weeks of her life.

— maureen o'connor, The Cut, "Nanny Murder Trial: A Father Describes the Day His Children Died," 13 Mar. 2018
Others, such as the Mexican hairless dog and the Chinese crested dog, are bred specifically for baldness through a baldness called follicular dysplasia, a condition caused by hair follicles that break down due faulty structuring.

— joshua rapp learn, Smithsonian, "Do Other Animals Besides Humans Go Bald?," 16 Feb. 2018
Exercising can also benefit dogs that are prone to arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other health conditions that can affect mobility.

— texas a&m college of veterinary medicine, Houston Chronicle, "PET TALK: Include your dog in your exercise plans," 6 Feb. 2018
Nicholas may need surgery on his esophagus, and Elizabeth may be suffering from hip dysplasia.

— jimmy tomlin, The Seattle Times, "N Carolina couple cherishes life with Down syndrome," 13 Jan. 2018
She was born with hip dysplasia, a genetic and developmental disorder that causes her hip bones to be misaligned.

— tess koman, Cosmopolitan, "11 Things to Know About Julia Mancuso, Five-Time Olympic Alpine Skier," 9 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dysplasia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dysplasia

New Latin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1923

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

dysplasia

noun dys·pla·sia \ dis-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə \

medical Definition of dysplasia

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

play \-ˈplas-tik\ adjective

Learn More about dysplasia

Britannica English: Translation of dysplasia for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dysplasia

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up dysplasia? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

dysplasia

Definition of dysplasia

dysplastic

Recent Examples of dysplasia from the Web

Origin and Etymology of dysplasia

Medical Dictionary

dysplasia

medical Definition of dysplasia

dysplastic

Learn More about dysplasia

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

amortize

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

What It Means to Go ‘Radio Silent’

The Last Word on 'Finalize'

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Centuries and How to Refer to Them

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Name More Food!

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

What It Means to Go ‘Radio Silent’

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word

dysplasia

Definition of dysplasia

dysplastic

Recent Examples of dysplasia from the Web

Origin and Etymology of dysplasia

Medical Dictionary

dysplasia

medical Definition of dysplasia

dysplastic

Learn More about dysplasia

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

What It Means to Go ‘Radio Silent’

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word