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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

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