teratology
/ˌtɛrəˈtɑlədʒi/
noun
- The scientific study of birth defects and abnormal development in humans and animals.
- She decided to specialize in teratology after volunteering at a children's hospital.
- Advances in teratology have led to better screening tests for pregnant women.
- Teratology helps doctors understand why some babies are born with physical abnormalities.