English

Wikipedia: Teratology

Etymology

From the prefix terato- + the suffix -logy. Ultimately from Ancient Greek τέρας (téras, “monster”) + -λογία (-logía, “study of”).

Pronunciation

Noun

Teratology (usually uncountable)

1. (medicine) The study of congenital abnormalities and malformations, including their development, causes, and biological mechanisms.

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2. (toxicology) The study of the mechanisms and teratogenic agents (or teratogens) involved in producing malformations.

Example of a famous teratogen (Thalidomide)


3. (mythology, fiction) The study or cataloging of monsters.

Examples in popular culture

References

  • Century Dictionary (1911)

See also