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Glite Dictionary
agenesia

agenesia

9.9
A body part that does not form before birth and is missing
  • noun
  • /ˌeɪdʒəˈniːziə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : agenesia
  • The baby was diagnosed with agenesia of the left kidney, meaning it did not develop properly before birth.

Examples

  • We applied the titanium implantation technique for two main anatomical indications: bilateral agenesia of the ear and chronic otitis.

    Academic text (1998)

  • The use of the laser is particularly important in cases with a partially fixed footplate or agenesia of the annular ligament, which both give rise to the phenomenon of the small air-bone gap.

    Academic text (1996)

  • A child may face physical challenges due to agenesia of the limb, necessitating support for mobility.

  • Doctors explained that agenesia can refer to the complete absence of a body part, like a missing finger.

Synonyms

agenesis
vsagenesia
  • Specialized
9.9

A condition when a person does not have a body part from birth because it did not develop

refers to absence or failure without stressing congenital cause
nondevelopment
vsagenesia
  • Specialized
9.6

A lack of normal growth in a person, animal, or system

applies specifically to missing or undeveloped organs rather than systems

Antonyms

development
357 2.5

A gradual change that makes something better or more advanced

formation
98 3.3

The act of starting or creating something

Surface Forms

agenesia singular
agenesias plural

Morphology

agenesia = agenesis (semi-transparent) = a + genesis + ia

The change from 'agenesis' to 'agenesia' is a minor form variation (adding a nominal ending), but the term remains technical and uses medical/Greek morphemes.

Etymology

Agenesia comes from the Greek parts a- meaning 'without' and genesis meaning 'origin' or 'birth', the same root you see in genetic and genesis. So agenesia is used for a body part that did not form or failed to develop.