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Definition of Congenital anomaly

Congenital anomaly: Something that is unusual or different at birth.

A minor anomaly is defined as an unusual anatomic feature that is of no serious medical or cosmetic consequence to the patient. A minor anomaly of the feet might, for example, be curvature of the second toe so it overlaps the third toe a little.

A major anomaly, by contrast, might be a cleft lip and palate, a birth defect of serious medical and cosmetic consequence to the child.

The word "congenital" means "at birth." "Anomaly" comes from the Greek word "anomalos" meaning "uneven" or "irregular."


Last Editorial Review: 3/11/2000 12:51:00 PM

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