malformation
malformation — noun
- malformationsingular
- malformationsplural
1. an area of a person's or animal's body that has developed in an unusual or unexp
an area of a person's or animal's body that has developed in an unusual or unexpected way, resulting in a shape or structure that is different from normal — for example, a heart that has the wrong shape or a spine that curves in a way that is not natural — or the condition of having such a part
The night-shift nurse noticed a small malformation on the newborn's left hand during the check.
clinical context: newborn examination
A routine ultrasound showed a kidney malformation in the Watanabe family's unborn baby.
Kemi was born with a heart malformation, but it does not affect her daily life.
Samir's research focuses on how diet in early pregnancy can prevent brain malformations.
The surgeon corrected the spinal malformation when the child was just three months old.
- deformity
More visible and external; often carries a stronger emotional charge about appearance; less commonly used for internal organs
- abnormality
Broader term that can describe any unusual feature — not limited to physical structure; can also refer to function or behaviour
- defect
Suggests something missing or imperfect; used in birth defect but is more general and less medically specific than malformation
文法句型
malformation(s) in [body part]
be born with a malformation
cause / prevent malformations
用法筆記
Countable when referring to a specific abnormal body part (a malformation); uncountable when describing the general condition of being malformed (the baby was tested for malformation).