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Mal

1 of 2

abbreviation

Malachi

mal-

2 of 2

combining form

1
a
: bad
malpractice
b
: badly
malodorous
2
a
: abnormal
malformation
b
: abnormally
malformed
3
a
: inadequate
maladjustment
b
: inadequately
malnourished

Word History

Etymology

Combining form

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from mal bad (from Latin malus) & mal badly, from Latin male, from malus

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Cite this Entry

“Mal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mal. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

mal-

combining form
1
a
: bad
malpractice
b
: badly
malodorous
2
a
: abnormal
malformation
b
: abnormally
malformed
Etymology

Combining form

derived from Latin malus "bad, evil"

Medical Definition

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