hypoplasia

[ hahy-puh-pley-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh ]

noun

1. Pathology. abnormal deficiency of cells or structural elements.
2. (in plants) inability to mature properly owing to a disease or inadequate supply of nutrients.

hypoplasia

/ ˌhaɪpəʊˈplæzɪə; ˈhaɪpəʊˌplæstɪ; ˌhaɪpəʊˈplæstɪk /

noun

1. pathol incomplete development of an organ or part

Derived Forms

• hypoplastic, adjective

Other Words From

• hy·po·plas·tic [hahy-p, uh, -, plas, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypoplasia¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; hypo- + -plasia

Example Sentences

He was born with a condition called renal hypoplasia, which prevented his own kidneys from fully developing.

From Scientific American

She was born with bilateral tibial hypoplasia, meaning her legs were underdeveloped and were subsequently amputated above the knee when she was 18 months old.

From BBC

Many of the cats she adopts have cerebellar hypoplasia, also known as wobbly cat syndrome, which is a neurological condition caused by infection before birth.

From BBC

Dr. Beatrice has found linear enamel hypoplasia — grooves in the teeth that indicate generalized physiological stress — in virtually every mouth.

From New York Times

When she got the diagnosis of optic nerve hypoplasia, she and her husband, Mark, a Boeing employee, were devastated.

From Seattle Times