genetic defect
6
4.4
- noun
- /dʒəˈnɛtɪk dɪˈfɛkt/
- Specialized
:
defecto genético
- Each one carries the same genetic defect.
So in Juanita's case, scientists had identified the specific genetic defect that affected the cells that led to her cancer.
- So in Juanita's case, scientists had identified the specific genetic defect that affected the cells that led to her cancer.
Examples
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The baby had a genetic defect that undoubtedly contributed to his demise.
Blog text (1) -
Scientists discovered a genetic defect that causes muscular dystrophy in several families.
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Although the boy's condition is rare, it has been known to occur in people with his specific genetic defect.
Fiction book (2002) -
So in Juanita's case, scientists had identified the specific genetic defect that affected the cells that led to her cancer.
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Very few women, of course, end up learning that they are carrying a fetus with a significant genetic defect.
Academic text (2003) -
Many companies will lower your rates if your family's history doesn't contain major genetic defects.
Blog text (13) -
And he tells us Megan has a genetic defect where she can't make a certain enzyme.
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Across the world, we are witnessing a staggering spike in multiple births and genetic defects.
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More calmly, "Consuelo was born with a subtle genetic defect that caused parts of her brain dealing with behavior and feelings to be abnormal."
Fiction book (1998) -
Couples can undergo testing to determine if they carry any genetic defects before having children.
Synonyms
12
3.5
A health problem caused by a change in a person's genes that can be passed from parents
9
4.2
A health problem caused by changes in a person's genes that parents pass on
3
4.6
A change in a person's genes that causes a disease
2
3.0
A disease passed from parents to their children through genes
1
3.9
A disease passed from parents to children through genes
1
4.0
A health problem parents can pass to their children through genes
1
4.2
A disease parents pass to their children in their genes
How Heritable
- Specialized
1
4.2
- Specialized
6
4.4
- Specialized
3
4.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase simply combines 'genetic' (relating to genes) with 'defect' (a flaw), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a flaw or disorder caused by genes. This adjective+noun medical composition is a straightforward, cross-linguistically common pattern, making the meaning directly derivable from the parts.
Etymology
The noun genetic defect comes from a simple image: genetic points to genes, the body's tiny 'instructions', and a defect is a mistake in those instructions that is 'passed from parents'. So, a genetic defect means a 'health problem' caused by an error in those genes.