teratogenesis
/ˌtɛrətədʒəˈniːsɪs/
noun
- The process by which birth defects or physical abnormalities develop in an embryo or fetus.
- Researchers study teratogenesis to understand how environmental factors affect fetal development.
- Teratogenesis can result from genetic mutations or exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy.
- The drug was pulled from the market after evidence linked it to teratogenesis in animal studies.