malformation

[ mal-fawr-mey-shuhn, -fer- ]

noun

1. faulty or anomalous formation or structure, especially in a living body:

   malformation of the teeth.

malformation

/ ˌmælfɔːˈmeɪʃən /

noun

1. the condition of being faulty or abnormal in form or shape
2. pathol a deformity in the shape or structure of a part, esp when congenital

Derived Forms

• malˈformed, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of malformation¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; mal- + formation

Example Sentences

He has had nine surgeries since birth due to a vascular malformation.

From Washington Post

Abnormalities in the other gene’s protein product can cause malformations of the tooth root and tooth loss.

From Science News

Get down and inspect the length of it, searching for any dents and other malformations.

From Popular-Science

To decimate the malformation, destroying the offending oil gland once it morphs into something with a head.

From The Daily Beast

It is in like manner to an accidental malformation, that the Americans are indebted for their Otter breed of sheep.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be due to a lasting or a passing malformation of the teeth, palate, or tongue, or it may be simply a bad habit.

From Project Gutenberg

It can be in the form of a change in slant, a deliberate malformation of the individual letters.

From Project Gutenberg

The malformation of his foot was, even at this childish age, a subject on which he showed peculiar sensitiveness.

From Project Gutenberg

The old Duke really had a slight malformation of the ear, which really was more or less hereditary.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abnormality
• defect
• disfigurement
• impairment
• mutation