birth defect

noun

UK /ˈbɜːθ dɪˌfekt/

US /ˈbɜːrθ dɪˌfekt/

A health problem a baby is born with.

The doctor said the baby's heart problem was a birth defect.

SYNONYMS

congenital anomaly congenital disorder congenital abnormality malformation

RELATED WORDS

disability syndrome prenatal genetic

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A physical or mental condition present from birth that affects how the body or mind works.

Some birth defects can be treated with surgery soon after birth.

3. An abnormality in the structure or function of an organ that develops before birth.

The scan showed a birth defect in the baby's spine.

4. A condition caused by genetic or environmental factors during pregnancy.

Taking certain medicines during pregnancy can raise the risk of a birth defect.