dysplasia

noun

dys·​pla·​sia dis-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə 

: abnormal growth or development (as of organs or cells)

broadly : abnormal anatomical structure due to such growth

dysplastic

dis-ˈpla-stik 

adjective

Examples of dysplasia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The blood test also identified advanced pancreatic dysplasia—the presence of a precancerous condition in the pancreas—more than 64 percent of the time in people with high-risk pancreatic cysts. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026

Follow-up care at the now-familiar UCSF confirmed severe precancerous dysplasia, or abnormal cells that, if left untreated, could develop into cancer. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 30 July 2026

My own research has focused on infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or BPD. — Tim Nelin, The Conversation, 21 July 2026

Hip dysplasia, cataracts and certain cardiac issues are three possible issues with Samoyeds. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dysplasia

• aphasia
• aplasia
• fantasia
• achalasia
• euthanasia
• hyperplasia
• hypoplasia
• metaplasia
• neoplasia
• telangiectasia

Medical Definition

dysplasia

noun

dys·​pla·​sia dis-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə 

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

-ˈplas-tik 

adjective