congenital defect
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A congenital defect is a structural or functional abnormality present in an individual from birth. It originates during the development of the fetus in the womb and is evident at the time of birth or shortly thereafter.
Usage
- The term is used in medical and clinical contexts to describe conditions a person is born with.
- It is a formal and general term that encompasses a wide range of specific conditions.
- It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., "a congenital defect," "several congenital defects").
Examples
- The ultrasound scan can sometimes detect serious congenital defects before birth.
- The most common congenital defect affecting the heart is a ventricular septal defect.
- Early intervention is crucial for managing many types of congenital defects.
Advanced Usage
- "Congenital defect of...": This phrasing specifies the organ or system affected.
- The baby was diagnosed with a congenital defect of the digestive tract.
Variants and Related Words
- Congenital disorder / anomaly / abnormality: These are near-synonymous terms used interchangeably in medical literature.
- Birth defect: This is a common, less formal synonym for "congenital defect."
- Malformation: Often used to describe a specific type of structural congenital defect.
- Congenital (adj.): The adjective form meaning "existing at or from birth."
- She has a congenital heart condition.
Synonyms
- Birth defect
- Congenital disorder
- Congenital anomaly
- Inborn error (often used for specific metabolic conditions)
Antonyms
- Acquired condition (a condition that develops after birth)
- Traumatic injury
Related Phrases
- Genetic defect: A defect caused by an abnormality in an individual's DNA. Note: Not all congenital defects are genetic; some are caused by environmental factors during pregnancy.
- Prenatal screening: Testing done during pregnancy to assess the risk of certain congenital defects.
Noun
- a defect that is present at birth