teratology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 - Very rare technical termSpecialized academic/scientific (medicine, biology), occasionally literary
Quick answer
What does “teratology” mean?
The scientific study of physiological abnormalities, malformations, or monstrous growths, especially in embryos.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scientific study of physiological abnormalities, malformations, or monstrous growths, especially in embryos.
The branch of biology or medicine concerned with congenital abnormalities and their developmental origins; can also refer metaphorically to a collection of monstrous things or ideas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA). Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Equally technical and rare in both varieties. No cultural or connotative divergence.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “teratology” in a Sentence
N of N (teratology of limb defects)Adj N (foetal teratology)N V (teratology examines/deals with)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “teratology” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Her PhD research focused on the teratology of neural tube defects.
- The museum's collection was a veritable teratology of Victorian curiosities.
American English
- The conference featured a keynote on advances in cardiovascular teratology.
- His novel was a disturbing teratology of human vices.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Standard term in medical and biological sciences for the study of birth defects.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in embryology, genetics, and prenatal medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “teratology”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “teratology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “teratology”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈterətɒlədʒi/ (stress on first syllable).
- Confusing it with 'teratoma' (a type of tumor).
- Using it in non-technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Teratology is the study. A teratogen is an agent (like a drug or virus) that causes abnormalities.
Almost never. It is a highly technical term. Using it would sound bizarre and pretentious outside scientific discussion.
From Greek 'teras' (monster) + '-logia' (study). Literally 'the study of monsters'.
Primarily yes, in the medical sense. In rare literary/metaphorical use, it can refer to a collection of monstrous ideas or moral defects.
The scientific study of physiological abnormalities, malformations, or monstrous growths, especially in embryos.
Teratology is usually specialized academic/scientific (medicine, biology), occasionally literary in register.
Teratology: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɛrəˈtɒlədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɛrəˈtɑːlədʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none - term is too technical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TERATology' – sounds like 'TERROR' – the study of 'terrifying' or monstrous growths.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS LIGHT / THE BODY IS A MACHINE (A technical field that illuminates and diagnoses faults in the developmental 'machine').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'teratology' LEAST likely to be used correctly?