Atelostomia

/ˌætɛloʊˈstoʊmiə/ noun

Definition

A developmental condition where the mouth or oral opening fails to fully develop or is absent at birth.

Etymology

From Greek 'ateles' meaning incomplete and 'stoma' meaning mouth. This medical term combines these roots to describe a congenital defect affecting mouth formation.

Kelly Says

This is one of those medical terms that sounds like it came from Greek philosophy, but it actually describes a real birth condition—it's how doctors precisely name the body's developmental mysteries.

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