malformation

Other forms: malformations

A malformation is something that doesn't have a normal shape or structure. A baby born with a heart malformation may need surgery to correct it so that her heart functions properly.

Malformation is commonly used in medicine for body parts that aren't formed in the typical way. Many of these are congenital malformations, which develop before a baby is born. Frequently, malformations result in nothing more than different-looking bodies, but sometimes they're serious enough to cause problems, like a brain malformation that causes bleeding or a palate malformation that makes eating a challenge. Mal- means "bad," and here it's added to formation, "act of being formed."

Definitions of malformation

1. noun

   something abnormal or anomalous
   synonyms: miscreation

   types:

   monstrosity

   something hideous or frightful

   type of:

   failure

   an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose
2. noun

   a condition in which some part of the body is misshapen or malformed
   synonyms: deformity, 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