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
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Such pollutants move through the air but also accumulate in soil, dust, and people's bodies; several are known to cause cancer, neurological issues, and birth defects even at very low exposure levels.
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Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 22 May 2025
More recently, a few small studies in humans have found links between atrazine exposure in people living on or near U.S. farms and adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weights, preterm deliveries and birth defects — all of which can be predictors of health issues later in life.
—Knvul Sheikh, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Long term effects can include memory loss, psychosis, depression, numbness, or birth defects if the drug is used during pregnancy.
—Jillian Frankel, People.com, 22 May 2025
Phthalates, often used in personal care products, children’s toys and food packaging and processing materials, are known to disrupt hormone function and have been linked to birth defects, infertility, learning disabilities and neurological disorders.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for birth defect
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Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 22 May 2025
More recently, a few small studies in humans have found links between atrazine exposure in people living on or near U.S. farms and adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weights, preterm deliveries and birth defects — all of which can be predictors of health issues later in life.
—Knvul Sheikh, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Long term effects can include memory loss, psychosis, depression, numbness, or birth defects if the drug is used during pregnancy.
—Jillian Frankel, People.com, 22 May 2025
Phthalates, often used in personal care products, children’s toys and food packaging and processing materials, are known to disrupt hormone function and have been linked to birth defects, infertility, learning disabilities and neurological disorders.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for birth defect
Cite this Entry
“Birth defect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/birth%20defect. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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