congenito

congenital

adjective kon-JEH-nee-toh Rare

Origin: Latin congenitus (born together with), from con- + genitus (born).

Also means

innate

Usage Note

Congenito describes a condition present from birth, either genetic or acquired during gestation — difetto congenito (congenital defect), malattia congenita. It is used both in medicine and figuratively for deeply ingrained traits (paura congenita — a deep-seated, lifelong fear). The four forms are congenito / congenita / congeniti / congenite. Do not confuse with innato (innate, inborn through nature) — congenito is more clinical.

Examples

"Ha un difetto cardiaco congenito."

Natural Translation

She has a congenital heart defect.

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