deformity

/dɪˈfɔrmɪɾi/

/dɪˈfɔmɪti/

Other forms: deformities

A deformity happens when a body part is misshapen. A deformity can also be a change for the worse in something's appearance. A two-headed kitten has a deformity.

Usually a deformity is the result of an accident or a genetic defect. Although most people want to avoid deformities, in the novel Geek Love by Katherine Dunn (1989), the mother of a circus family takes drugs while she’s pregnant, hoping to cause deformities in her children. She succeeds with her son Arturo, who has flippers instead of arms and legs. In his world, people with regular arms and legs have the deformity.

Definitions of deformity

1. noun

   an affliction in which some part of the body is misshapen or malformed
   synonyms: malformation, misshapenness

   types:

   Arnold-Chiari deformity

   deformity in which part of the brain protrudes through the skull

   clawfoot, pes cavus

   a deformity of the foot characterized by an abnormally high arch and hyperextension of the toes which gives the foot the appearance of a claw

   cleft foot

   a deformity in which the space between the third and fourth toes extends up into the foot

   clubfoot, talipes

   congenital deformity of the foot usually marked by a curled shape or twisted position of the ankle and heel and toes

   chicken breast, pigeon breast

   abnormal protrusion of the breastbone caused by rickets

   plagiocephaly

   congenital malformation of the skull in which the main axis of the skull is oblique

   scaphocephaly

   congenital malformation of the skull which is long and narrow; frequently accompanied by mental retardation

   valgus

   a deformity in which there is an abnormal displacement of part of a limb away from the midline of the body

   varus

   a deformity in which part of a limb is turned inward to an abnormal degree

   talipes valgus

   deformity of the foot in which the foot is twisted outward

   talipes equinus

   talipes in which the toes are pointed downward

   talipes calcaneus

   talipes in which the toes are pointed upward and the person walks on the heel of the foot

   type of:

   affliction

   a condition of suffering or distress due to ill health
2. noun

   an appearance that has been spoiled or is misshapen
   synonyms: disfiguration, disfigurement

   type of:

   appearance, visual aspect

   outward or visible aspect of a person or thing