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birth defect
noun
: a physical or biochemical defect that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced
Examples of birth defect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These aggressive daytime biters spread serious diseases outside L.A. like Zika virus, which can cause birth defects among pregnant patients, Chikungunya, which can cause serious long-term joint pain and dengue fever, which can cause high fever and body aches, and occasionally, death.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024
Studies have linked the substances to potential health risks including interfering with the production of estrogen and hormones, and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and birth defects.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 30 May 2024
Around the same time, reports raised alarms about pesticide exposures possibly causing birth defects among the children of field laborers.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 29 May 2024
At their initial appointment, still in September, the doctor determined via ultrasound that one of the babies had a type of birth defect called a cystic hygroma, which can increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth or lead to genetic conditions like Down syndrome.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for birth defect
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'birth defect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1864, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near birth defect
Cite this Entry
“Birth defect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/birth%20defect. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
birth defect
noun
: a serious defect (as in physical or mental function) that is present at birth and is inherited or caused by something that happens or exists in the environment
Medical Definition
birth defect
noun
: a physical or biochemical defect (as cleft palate, phenylketonuria, or Down syndrome) that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced
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