What does teratologic mean?
Teratologic is a formal adjective meaning relating to teratology, the study of congenital malformations and abnormal development. It is often used to describe abnormalities, effects, or changes involving an embryo or fetus, especially in medical and pharmacological research. For example, a substance may be described as having teratologic effects when it causes malformations during development. The word can also appear in discussions of structural abnormalities more generally, as in “teratologic abnormalities.” Its associations are primarily scientific and clinical, and it is uncommon in everyday speech. The term is related to teratogenic, which specifically describes something capable of causing developmental malformations. Teratologic comes from the same Greek root meaning “monster,” a historical reference reflected in the study of abnormal or monstrous forms of development.
adjectiveRelating to teratology, especially to congenital malformations or abnormal development in an embryo or fetus.
- Of or relating to teratology, congenital malformations, or abnormal embryonic development.
"The researchers examined the drug for teratologic effects in animal studies."
"The medicine was rejected because of its teratologic effects in laboratory animals."
"Pathologists identified several teratologic abnormalities in the preserved specimens."
Teratologic comes from a Greek root for “monster,” but in modern usage it names the study of abnormalities that can disrupt an organism's development.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of teratologic
Teratologic belongs to the scientific vocabulary built on Greek teras, genitive teratos, meaning “monster,” through the related term teratology. In this context, “monster” refers historically to conspicuously abnormal or monstrous forms, rather than only to creatures from folklore. The adjective teratologic developed within the medical study of abnormal embryonic development and congenital malformations.
Related word forms
How teratologic is actually used
Formal and highly specialized, chiefly used in medicine, biology, pharmacology, and developmental science. It is more common in technical writing than in general conversation.
Easily confused with teratologic
Teratogenic describes something capable of causing developmental malformations, whereas teratologic relates more broadly to teratology or such malformations.