Congenital meaning

kən-jĕn'ĭ-tl
The definition of congenital is something present from birth.

A heart defect that exist when you are born is an example of something that would be described as a congenital heart defect.

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Of or relating to a condition that is present at birth, as a result of either heredity or environmental influences.

A congenital heart defect; congenital syphilis.

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Being or having an essential characteristic as if by nature; inherent or inveterate.
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Existing as such at birth.

A congenital disease.

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Existing as if inborn; inherent.

A congenital cheerfulness.

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Relating to a condition that is present at birth, as a result of either heredity or environmental influences.

A congenital heart defect; congenital syphilis.

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Existing at or before birth, as a defect or medical condition.
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(of a trait) Present since birth.
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Origin of congenital

From Latin congenitus com- com- genitus born past participle of gignere to bear genə- in Indo-European roots

Sentence Examples

  • In a congenital condition known as haemophylia (q.v.) it is difficult to stop the flow of blood.

  • The area of biological knowledge which Darwin was the first to subject to scientific method and to render, as it were, contributory to the great stream formed by the union of the various branches, is that which relates to the breeding of animals and plants, their congenital variations, and the transmission and perpetuation of those variations.

  • In the condition known as albinism there is a congenital deficiency or entire absence of pigment.

  • Amyloid develops in various organs and tissues and is commonly associated with chronic phthisis, tubercular disease of bone and joints, and syphilis (congenital and acquired).

  • We seem to be justified in assuming that there are many movements of stretching and posturing possible to caterpillars, and that some caterpillars had a congenital fortuitous tendency to one position, some to another, and, finally that among all the variety of habitual movements thus exhibited one has been selected and perpetuated because it coincided with the necessary conditions of safety, since it happened to give the caterpillar an increased resemblance to a twig.

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Words near congenital in the Dictionary