French word

malformation

Pronunciation

IPA/malfɔʁmasjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine noundeformity

Example

Le médecin a détecté une malformation cardiaque.

The doctor detected a cardiac deformity.

Illustration for malformation (deformity)

More examples

Il est né avec une malformation mais il mène une vie active.

He was born with a malformation but leads an active life.

Core concept

A developing body part formed in an unusual way.

Common phrases

  • être né avec une malformation

    be born with a malformation

  • vivre avec une malformation

    live with a malformation

Similar words

anomalie: A feature or condition that differs from what is normally expected in form or function.
défaut: A flaw or missing part that makes something incomplete.
déformation: A shape that has become twisted, bent, or distorted.

Definition in French

Anomalie du développement entraînant une modification de la morphologie d'une partie du corps, souvent présente à la naissance.

Word origin

The noun malformation is built from the French combining form mal- and formation, expressing the idea of faulty or abnormal forming.

Usage tips

  • Malformation belongs mainly to medical and formal usage, while everyday explanations may use a longer phrase such as an abnormality in the shape of a body part.

Other meanings

  • birth defectnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • malformémalformedadjective

Word lists with this word