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teratologic

teratologic

9.9
Relating to growth problems in unborn babies
  • adjective
  • /ˌtɛrəˈtɒlədʒɪk/
  • Specialized
: teratológico
  • Many teratologic abnormalities can be detected through ultrasound during early pregnancy.

Examples

  • The most common system used today is the etiologic classification, where the clubfoot is termed positional, idiopathic, or teratologic.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The teratologic clubfoot is associated with neuromuscular or syndromic disorders, such as arthrogryposis.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The doctor explained that the teratologic condition of the fetus could lead to serious health issues after birth.

  • Researchers study teratologic effects to better understand how certain drugs impact fetal development.

Surface Forms

teratologic positive

Morphology

teratologic = teratology (transparent) = terat + ic

A straightforward adjective formed from 'teratology' with the productive suffix '-ic', so the meaning directly relates to abnormalities or the study of them.

Etymology

The word teratologic comes from the Greek root teras, which means 'monster' or 'marvel', and the ending -logic, which means 'study', so it describes strange or abnormal growths and is used today for problems in babies before birth.