malformation

noun

mal·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmal-fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce malformation (audio)
-fər-
: irregular, anomalous, abnormal, or faulty formation or structure

Examples of malformation in a Sentence

The condition is marked by malformation of the spine. She underwent surgery to correct a heart malformation.
Recent Examples on the Web The condition itself is very much less so, involving venous malformations in which the person ends up with extremely painful, constantly bleeding lesions all over the inside and outside of the body. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 Studies have connected phthalates to childhood obesity, asthma, cardiovascular issues, cancer and reproductive problems such as genital malformations and undescended testes in baby boys and low sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 6 Feb. 2024 More troubling, infection during pregnancy can result in infants with congenital malformations, in addition to early birth and miscarriage. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 12 Jan. 2024 Pregnant people face the additional risk of miscarriage and fetal congenital malformations. Heslley MacHado Silva, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2024 Doctors have repaired a malformation in the brain of a 34-week-old fetus. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 4 May 2023 The authors noted that life expectancy would have been even greater if not for increases in deaths due to influenza and pneumonia; perinatal conditions; kidney disease; nutritional deficiencies; and congenital malformations. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Nov. 2023 The fetuses, many of which were born prematurely or with severe malformations, were abandoned. TIME, 13 Oct. 2023 To correct a congenital malformation of a heart valve, Sophia underwent heart surgery at just 2 months old and again in 2012. Ellie Beeck, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malformation.' 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

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malformation was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near malformation

Cite this Entry

“Malformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malformation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

malformation

noun
mal·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmal-fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce malformation (audio)
-fər-
: a misshapen, abnormal, or faulty formation or structure
malformation of the knee joint

Medical Definition

malformation

noun
mal·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmal-fȯr-ˈmā-shən, -fər- How to pronounce malformation (audio)
: irregular, anomalous, abnormal, or faulty formation or structure
congenital malformations
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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