Definition

Noun: A rare congenital condition characterized by the complete absence of one or more limbs (arms or legs) at birth.

Usage

This is a specialized medical term. It is used in clinical, anatomical, and genetic contexts to describe a specific type of birth defect. * The ultrasound revealed signs of amelia affecting the fetus's lower limbs. * The study focused on the genetic factors associated with amelia.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often specified further as upper limb amelia or lower limb amelia to denote which limbs are absent.
• It is distinct from meromelia (partial absence of a limb) and phocomelia (limbs are short, with hands or feet attached close to the body).

Variants and Related Words

• Amelic (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by amelia.
  • The amelic condition was identified prenatally.

Synonyms

• Congenital limb absence
• Limb agenesis (Note: "Agenesis" is a broader term for the failure of an organ to develop.)

Different Meanings

This word has no other common meanings outside of its specific medical definition.

Noun

1. congenital absence of an arm or leg