malformation
malformation — noun
- malformationsingular
- malformationsplural
1. an abnormal shape or structure in a living thing, such as an organ, limb, or who
an abnormal shape or structure in a living thing, such as an organ, limb, or whole body, that develops when something goes wrong during the growth process before birth or in early life
Doctors discovered a heart malformation in baby Lin when she was only three days old.
countable: a heart malformation — specific body part
The earthquake survivor's spine had a severe malformation that required two operations to correct.
countable with adjective: severe malformation
Fukushima's monitoring team found a malformation in a fish caught near the treatment plant.
Mrs. Chen's ultrasound showed a minor malformation that would not affect the baby's health.
Exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy can cause malformation of the developing embryo.
- deformity
More visible and often more severe; can be caused by injury as well as development; slightly less clinical
- abnormality
Broader — covers any deviation from normal, not only physical shape
- defect
Emphasises that something is wrong or imperfect; common in 'birth defect'
- normal formation
Standard or typical development of a body part or structure
文法句型
countable for a specific abnormally-shaped part; uncountable for the condition generally
用法筆記
Most commonly used in medical contexts about body parts, but can also describe structural abnormalities in plants, animals, or objects. Countable when referring to a specific instance ('a kidney malformation'); uncountable when referring to the general process or condition ('malformation of the spine').