First Known Use: 1796
Dictionary
congenital
adjective con·gen·i·tal \kən-ˈje-nə-təl, kän-\
: existing since birth
: naturally having a specified character
Full Definition of CONGENITAL
1
a : existing at or dating from birth <congenital deafness> b : constituting an essential characteristic : inherent <congenital fear of snakes> c : acquired during development in the uterus and not through heredity <congenital syphilis>
2
: being such by nature <a congenital liar>
— con·gen·i·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb
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Origin of CONGENITAL
Latin congenitus, from com- + genitus, past participle of gignere to bring forth — more at kin
Related to CONGENITAL
- Antonyms
- nonnatural
Synonym Discussion of CONGENITAL
innate, inborn, inbred, congenital, hereditary mean not acquired after birth. innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature <an innate sense of fair play>. inborn suggests a quality or tendency either actually present at birth or so marked and deep-seated as to seem so <her inborn love of nature>. inbred suggests something either acquired from parents by heredity or so deeply rooted and ingrained as to seem acquired in that way <inbred political loyalties>. congenital and hereditary refer to what is acquired before or at birth, the former to things acquired during fetal development and the latter to things transmitted from one's ancestors <a congenital heart murmur> <eye color is hereditary>.
Other Genetics Terms
Medical Dictionary
congenital
adjective con·gen·i·tal \kän-ˈjen-ə-təl\
Medical Definition of CONGENITAL
1
: existing at or dating from birth <congenital deafness>
2
: acquired during development in the uterus and not through heredity <congenital syphilis>—compare acquired 2, familial, hereditary
—con·gen·i·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb
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