teratology

[ ter-uh-tol-uh-jee ]

noun

, Biology.

1. the science or study of monstrosities or abnormal formations in organisms.

teratology

/ ˌtɛrətəˈlɒdʒɪk; ˌtɛrəˈtɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of medical science concerned with the development of physical abnormalities during the fetal or early embryonic stage
2. the branch of biology that is concerned with the structure, development, etc, of monsters
3. a collection of tales about mythical or fantastic creatures, monsters, etc

teratology

/ tĕr′ə-tŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of birth defects.

Derived Forms

• ˌteraˈtologist, noun
• teratologic, adjective

Other Words From

• ter·a·to·log·i·cal [ter-, uh, -tl-, oj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• tera·tolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of teratology¹

First recorded in 1670–80; terato- + -logy

Example Sentences

One may say, then, that a being possessing both arms and wings is a monster and belongs to the department of Teratology.

From Project Gutenberg

Ter′atoid, monstrous; Teratolog′ic, -al, pertaining to teratology.

From Project Gutenberg

Teratology, the branch of biology which treats of malformations or departures from the normal type.

From Project Gutenberg

Teratology ( , a monster) is a part of biology that treats of deviation from a normal development in man and the lower animals.

From Project Gutenberg

Be this as it may, teratology owes a very large number of its records to this class of observers.

From Project Gutenberg