Definition

Noun: * Congenital absence of the heart: A rare and fatal developmental anomaly where an individual or, more specifically, a parasitic twin is born without a heart. This condition is typically associated with abnormal or non-viable fetal development.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The diagnosis of acardia in the fetus was confirmed by ultrasound.
  • The medical literature describes acardia as an extreme form of twin reversal arterial perfusion sequence.
  • The condition of acardia is incompatible with independent life.

Advanced Usage

• Acardia is a highly specialized medical term used almost exclusively in the fields of teratology (the study of abnormalities in physiological development) and embryology. It is not used in general conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Acardiac (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by the absence of a heart.
  • The acardiac twin was not viable.
• Acardius (noun): An alternative, less common term for an individual or fetus exhibiting acardia.

Synonyms

• Cardiac agenesis: A more descriptive clinical synonym meaning the failure of the heart to develop.

Notes on Meaning

The term acardia specifically denotes a profound congenital defect. It should not be confused with acquired heart conditions or other cardiac abnormalities. Its usage is strictly pathological.

Noun

1. congenital absence of the heart (as in the development of some monsters)