Definition

A medical condition where an organ or part of the body does not develop fully, resulting in it being smaller than normal or not fully formed.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with hypoplasia of the enamel, which caused her teeth to be weaker than usual.

Conversation

Have you heard about hypoplasia and how it affects people?

Yeah, I read that it involves incomplete development of an organ.

Exactly! It's interesting how something like hypoplasia can impact daily life.

For sure, it must be challenging for those who experience it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypoplasia → It is formed from "hypo-" (meaning under or below) and "plasis" (from Greek "plassein", meaning to form or mold). The word describes a condition where there is an underdevelopment or incomplete formation of a tissue or organ.

Memory Tip

Think of 'under' ('hypo-') and 'formation' ('plasis') to remember that hypoplasia refers to a condition of underdevelopment.

Visually Confused Words