Malform Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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malform
[mælˈfɔːrm ]
Definitions
in genetics
To produce an abnormality in the structure or shape of an organism, typically due to genetic mutations.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| malform |
Used in medical or biological contexts to describe something that did not form correctly, often from birth.
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| deform |
Often describes a physical alteration that makes something look strange or unnatural, can be due to injury, disease, or outside pressure.
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| misshape |
Used when something loses its natural or intended shape, usually implies a loss of attractiveness or functionality.
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| distort |
Frequently used to describe changes in the shape, appearance, or sound of something, often used in contexts like images, sound, or information.
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Examples of usage
- Mutations in the gene can malform the protein structure.
- The chemicals in the environment can malform the developing fetus.
medical
An abnormality in the structure or shape of a part of the body, often present from birth.
Synonyms
abnormality, anomaly, deformity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| malform |
This term is commonly used in medical or biological contexts to describe something that has developed in an abnormal or defective way. It is typically more technical.
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| deformity |
Generally used in medical or physical contexts to describe a physical abnormality or malformation, often implying a visible and significant change in appearance. It carries a slightly negative connotation.
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| abnormality |
Used broadly across various contexts to describe something that deviates from the norm or standard. It can be applied in medical, social, and physical contexts.
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| anomaly |
Often used in scientific, technical, or statistical contexts to describe something that is unusual or unexpected compared to what is typical or standard.
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Examples of usage
- The baby was born with a malform in his heart.
- The malform in her spine caused chronic pain.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- In biology, malformations can occur during fetal development, leading to physical abnormalities.
- Common examples include cleft palates or congenital heart defects, which happen when the body doesn't form correctly.
- Environmental factors, like chemicals or drugs during pregnancy, can result in malformation of the developing child.
Psychology
- In psychology, maladaptive behaviors can be seen as a form of distortion, similar to malformation in a physical context.
- These behaviors develop in response to environmental stressors and can lead to unhealthy coping strategies.
- Therapy often aims to 'reshape' these maladaptive patterns into healthier forms.
Cultural Representation
- Literature and films often portray characters with physical malformations, symbolizing inner struggles or societal rejection.
- In fairytales, cursed characters may undergo physical malformations representing their inner flaws.
- Artworks throughout history have depicted malformations to invoke empathy or challenge beauty standards.
Technology
- In 3D printing, malformations can occur when the design is flawed, leading to failed prints that don't take the intended shape.
- In software development, bug reports often reveal how code malforms the intended functionality of an application.
- Machine learning models can exhibit malformations in predictions if trained on biased or inadequate datasets.
Origin of 'malform'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'mal-' comes from Latin, meaning 'bad' or 'wrong'.
- The word 'form' is derived from Latin 'forma', meaning 'shape' or 'appearance'.
- Together, they imply a bad formation or shape.
The word 'malform' is derived from the combination of 'mal-' meaning bad or abnormal, and 'form' referring to structure or shape. The term has been used in genetics and medicine to describe abnormalities in structure or shape, whether in organisms or body parts.
See also: amorphic, conform, deform, deformed, form, formal, formality, formally, formation, formative, formatter, formed, former, formerly, formic, forming, formless, forms, malformation, multiformity, preformative, reform, unformed.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,264, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.