teratogenesis

[tuh-rat-uh-jen-uh-sis, ter-uh-tuh-]

noun

Biology.

1. the production or induction of malformations or monstrosities, especially of a developing embryo or fetus.

Other Word Forms

• teratogenetic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of teratogenesis¹

First recorded in 1900–05; terato- + -genesis

Example Sentences

Such abnormalities arise as a result of a process known as teratogenesis.

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