pigeon breast
Definition
Noun: A deformity of the chest characterized by a prominent, protruding sternum (breastbone), often caused by a nutritional deficiency of vitamin D or calcium, historically associated with the disease rickets.
Usage
This is a medical term used to describe a specific physical condition. It is typically used in clinical, anatomical, or historical contexts.
Examples
- The pediatrician noted signs of pigeon breast in the malnourished child.
- In severe cases of rickets, skeletal deformities such as pigeon breast can occur.
- The condition known as pigeon breast is less common in countries with fortified foods.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used descriptively outside of strict medical diagnosis to describe a similar chest shape.
- Some breeds of birds, like the actual pigeon, naturally have a pigeon breast-like keel bone.
Variants and Related Words
- Pectus carinatum: The formal medical Latin term for this condition.
- Rickets: The disease most historically associated with causing this deformity.
- Kyphosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine that can sometimes be related.
Synonyms
- Pectus carinatum (medical synonym)
- Protruding sternum (descriptive synonym)
Antonyms
- Pectus excavatum: A condition where the breastbone sinks into the chest (funnel chest).
Notes on Meaning
This term refers specifically to the abnormal human anatomical condition. While the name derives from a resemblance to a bird's chest, it is not used to describe the normal anatomy of a pigeon or other birds in standard English.
Noun
-
abnormal protrusion of the breastbone caused by rickets
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