deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mə-tē How to pronounce deformity (audio)
dē-
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: imperfection, blemish: such as
a
: a physical blemish or distortion : disfigurement
b
: a moral or aesthetic flaw or defect

Examples of deformity in a Sentence

a disease causing deformity of the spine a primitive culture that cast aside infants born with deformities, allowing them to die of exposure to the elements
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The film starred John Hurt as Joseph (John) Merrick, an English man with severe physical deformities who was largely shunned by society, and Anthony Hopkins as Frederick Treves, a doctor who befriended Merrick. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025 One fan was producer Stuart Cornfeld, who worked with Mel Brooks, and eventually tapped Lynch to direct The Elephant Man, a drama based on the life of Joseph Herrick, an English artist with severe physical deformities. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025 One display told the story of a young girl from Burma, Ma Myint Thein, who was born with deformities of her fingers and birthmarks across her back and neck. Saskia Solomon, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025 For patients with severe spinal deformities, the quality-of-life burden for those living with kyphosis and scoliosis rivals those seen in oncology patients. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deformity 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deformite, from Middle French defformeteit, from Latin deformitat-, deformitas, from deformis deformed, from de- + forma

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deformity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near deformity

Cite this Entry

“Deformity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deformity. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

deformity

noun
de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē How to pronounce deformity (audio)
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: a physical blemish or twisting out of a natural shape or condition
3
: a morally disgusting or artistically ugly imperfection

Medical Definition

deformity

noun
de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē How to pronounce deformity (audio)
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: a physical blemish or distortion
deformities caused by thalidomide

More from Merriam-Webster on deformity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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