phocomelia

or pho·ko·me·li·a

[ foh-koh-mee-lee-uh, -meel-yuh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a usually congenital deformity of the extremities in which the limbs are abnormally short.

phocomelia

/ fəʊˈkɒməlɪ; ˌfəʊkəʊˈmiːlɪə /

noun

1. a congenital deformity resulting from prenatal interference with the development of the fetal limbs, characterized esp by short stubby hands or feet attached close to the body

Derived Forms

• ˌphocoˈmelic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phocomelia¹

1890–95; < New Latin, equivalent to phōco-, combining form representing Greek phṓkē seal + -melia -melia

Word History and Origins

Origin of phocomelia¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek phōkē a seal + melos a limb

Example Sentences

This condition, from its resemblance to the like state in the seal, is called phocomelia, or seal limbs.

From Project Gutenberg

Phocomelia with brain deformity has been found associated with them.

From Project Gutenberg