Definition of Dysfunction

1. Noun. (medicine) any disturbance in the functioning of an organ or body part or a disturbance in the functioning of a social group. "Sexual relationship dysfunction"

Exact synonyms: Disfunction
Category relationships: Medical Specialty, Medicine
Specialized synonyms: Ed, Erectile Dysfunction, Male Erecticle Dysfunction, Palsy, Paralysis
Generic synonyms: Pathology
Derivative terms: Dysfunctional

Definition of Dysfunction

1. Noun. A failure to function in an expected or complete manner. Usually refers to a disorder in a bodily organ (e.g. erectile dysfunction), a mental disorder, or the improper behavior of a social group. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Dysfunction

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Dysfunction

1. Disturbance, impairment or abnormality of the functioning of an organ. This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Dysfunction

dysenteric
dysenteric algid malaria
dysenteric diarrhoea
dysenterical
dysenteries
dysentery antitoxin
dysentery bacillus
dyserethism
dysergia
dysesthesia
dysesthesias
dysferlin
dysfibrinogenaemia
dysfunction (current term)
dysfunctional
dysfunctionalities
dysfunctionality
dysfunctionally
dysfunctions
dysgammaglobulinaemia
dysgammaglobulinemia
dysgammaglobulinemias
dysgeneses
dysgenesis
dysgenetic
dysgenic
dysgenics

Literary usage of Dysfunction

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Practical Organotherapy: The Internal Secretions in General Practice by Henry Robert Harrower (1922)
"It is well to add that certain digestive disturbances in children (gastric tetany) may cause a special toxemia which may result in dysfunction of these ..."

2. A Lifelong Passion: Nicholas and Alexandra: Their Own Story by Andrei Maylunas (2005)
"The most common type of thyroid dysfunction was a transient hyperthyroid phase as seen in 7 women. A significant increase by 20-30% in mean thyroid volume ..."

3. Risk Assessment for Neurobehavioral Toxicity edited by Bernard Weiss, Jurg Elsner (1997)
"Neurotoxic disorders, hearing loss, and psychological dysfunction are among the 10 leading occupational problems in the workplace (6). ..."

4. Handbook of Severe Disability: A Text for Rehabilitation Counselors, Other edited by Walter C. Stolov, Michael R. Clowers (2000)
"... 23 PULMONARY dysfunction Ben V. Branscomb, MD INTRODUCTION The chronic pulmonary diseases represent the third largest group of diseases resulting in ..."

5. The Ductless Glandular Diseases by Wilhelm Falta (1916)
"Question of dysfunction The study of the pathological correlations seems to me to throw light on the question as to whether we are justified in postulating, ..."

6. The Science, Treatment, and Prevention of Antisocial Behaviorsby Diana H. Fishbein by Diana H. Fishbein (2000)
"Low-dose propranolol reduces aggression and agitation resembling that associated with orbitofrontal dysfunction in elderly demented patients. ..."

7. Strengthening America's Families: Promising Parenting Strategies for by Karole L. Kumpfer (1993)
"Pay Attention to Parental dysfunction Parental dysfunction should be considered when screening for admission to a family program. ..."

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