Definition

Noun: A congenital condition characterized by the partial absence of a limb (an arm or a leg). It refers to a birth defect where a section of an upper or lower extremity is missing.

Usage

The term is used in medical and clinical contexts to describe a specific type of limb malformation present from birth. * The ultrasound revealed a case of meromelia, affecting the lower portion of the fetus's left arm. * Meromelia is one category of limb reduction deficiencies studied by pediatric orthopedists.

Advanced Usage

• The condition is often classified more specifically based on which segment of the limb is absent (e.g., terminal transverse deficiency).
• It is contrasted with amelia, which is the complete absence of one or more limbs.

Variants and Related Words

• Amelia (noun): The congenital complete absence of one or more limbs.
• Phocomelia (noun): A congenital condition where the hands or feet are attached close to the body, with the intervening limbs being absent or poorly developed.

Synonyms

• Limb reduction defect
• Congenital limb deficiency (partial)

Antonyms

• Full limb development
• Normal limb formation

Noun

1. congenital absence of part of an arm or leg