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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
But, concerns about serious possible side effects—including mental health problems and severe birth defects—keep some parents from considering it as an option for their teenagers.
—Leah Ansell, Verywell Health, 24 Dec. 2023
This can include congenital birth defects, higher stillbirth rates, and low birthweight and blood counts.
—Shravya Pant — Medill News Service, STAT, 20 Dec. 2023
According to the Cleveland Clinic, heart problems are present in 90% of babies born with trisomy 18, as well as kidney disease, breathing abnormalities, gastrointestinal tract and abdominal wall issues, birth defects and spinal problems.
—Joe Ruiz, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2023
That’s because some PsA treatments can increase the risk of certain birth defects or complications.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 1 Mar. 2024
Eliminating the grease-proofing substances ends a yearslong campaign by the agency to phase out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, toxic chemicals that may be linked to serious health problems, including cancer, birth defects and immune system suppression.
—Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024
This contamination affected over a million Marines, their families, and civilian employees, leading to severe health consequences like cancer, birth defects, and other illnesses.
—Jeremy Yurow, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2024
Pregnant people should avoid tending to the litter box as congenital toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage, vision loss, or birth defects.
—Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2024
Couples undergoing in vitro fertilization will now be able to test their embryos for birth defects, cancers, and other genetic risks thanks to a new evaluation from Orchid.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2023
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 19 Mar. 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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