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

Time Traveler
The first known use of birth defect was circa 1864

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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