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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Share [Findings] The Journal of Pediatric Genetics retracted a study on Islamic beliefs concerning the possible supernatural causes of birth defects on the grounds that the research lacked a scientific basis. —

Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 There was a 10% increase in infant mortality with birth defects, which can cover heart abnormalities, spina bifida and other disorders. —

Adriel Bettelheim, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024 In some cases, babies with a birth defect may only survive a few months. —

Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024 Most developmental defects happen in the first trimester of pregnancy; for example, cleft palate, a potentially debilitating birth defect, occurs sometime before week nine for reasons that scientists don’t yet understand. —

Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for birth defect

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of birth defect was circa 1864

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Birth defect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/birth%20defect. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

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