The mere threat of a filibuster often is enough to block Senate action on a bill. House Floor Activity The much larger House needs to take additional steps before it can consider the reported legislation.
birth defect. n. A physiological or structural abnormality that develops at or before birth and is present at the time of birth, especially as a result of faulty development, infection, heredity, or injury. Also called congenital anomaly.. Any distortion of a part or general disfigurement of the body. 2. Congenital malformation, see there. 3. An abnormality of structure, function or body metabolism present at birth that may result in a physical and/or mental disability or is fatal. (bÄ­rth dÄfekt).
If a baby is born with a part of the body that is missing or malformed, it is called a structural birth defect. Heart defects are the most common type of structural defect. Others include spina bifida, cleft palate, clubfoot, and congenital dislocated hip. When there is a problem with a baby's body chemistry, it is called a metabolic birth defect.