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
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.
Endocrine disruptors interfere with the human reproductive system, leading to genital and reproductive malformations as well as female infertility and a decline in sperm count, according to the Endocrine Society. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025 Richard Lapointe, who died at age 74 in 2020, had Dandy-Walker syndrome, a rare congenital brain malformation that his lawyers say was a factor in his false confession. Landon Mion, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025 His arteriovenous malformation, that tangle of blood vessels in his brain, had begun to bleed. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025 Folic Acid Prevents Neural Tube Defects Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital malformations (abnormal growth changes during fetal development) of the central nervous system. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for malformation 

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 10 Feb. 2025.

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
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