congenital

/kən'dʤenitl/

Thân thiện

A baby is born with a congenital heart condition.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Existing at or from birth: A condition, trait, or characteristic that is present in an individual from the time they are born. 2. Acquired during fetal development: Refers to something that originates or occurs during the development of the fetus in the womb, rather than being inherited through genes.

Usage

The adjective "congenital" is used to describe medical conditions, physical traits, or abnormalities that are present from birth. It is a formal term commonly used in medical and scientific contexts. It is important to note that "congenital" does not specify the cause; the condition could be due to genetic factors, environmental influences during pregnancy, or a combination of both.

Examples

• The ultrasound revealed a congenital heart defect that would require surgery after birth.
• Some congenital disorders, like certain metabolic conditions, can be screened for in newborns.
• He was born with a congenital limb difference.
• The study focused on the causes of congenital deafness.

Advanced Usage

• Congenital vs. Hereditary: These terms are related but not synonymous. "Congenital" means present at birth. "Hereditary" means genetically transmitted from parents to offspring. A condition can be both congenital and hereditary (e.g., some forms of dwarfism). However, a condition can be congenital without being hereditary (e.g., fetal alcohol syndrome), and a hereditary condition may not manifest until later in life (e.g., Huntington's disease).
• Congenital disorder/disease/defect/abnormality: Standard collocations in medical terminology.
  • Advances in surgery have improved outcomes for many congenital disorders.

Variants and Related Words

• Congenitally (adverb): In a way that is present from birth.
  • The patient was congenitally blind.

Synonyms

• Inborn
• Innate
• Present at birth
• Neonatal (specifically relating to the newborn period, but often used for conditions present then)

Antonyms

• Acquired (developed after birth)
• Adventitious

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• Congenital liar: (Figurative, informal) A person who lies habitually and seemingly as an inherent part of their character.
  • He's a congenital liar; you can't believe a word he says. (Note: This is a non-medical, metaphorical extension of the word's core meaning.)

Học thuật

Adjective

1. present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development

Từ đồng nghĩa

• inborn
• innate