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teratological defect

a structural or functional abnormality in offspring caused by hereditary factors or an environmental influence, such as maternal exposure to drugs or X-rays during pregnancy. Examples of such defects include Down syndrome, associated with abnormal genetic factors, and the thalidomide syndrome, marked by deformed arms and legs and caused by thalidomide taken during the mother’s pregnancy.

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Psychology term of the day

December 26th 2024

institutionalized racism

institutionalized racism

differential treatment of individuals on the basis of their racial group by religious organizations, governments, businesses, the media, educational institutions, and other large social entities. Examples include discrimination in hiring, promotion, and advancement at work; restrictive housing regulations that promote segregation; unfair portrayal of minority members in newspapers and magazines; and legal statutes that restrict the civil liberties of the members of specific racial categories. A parallel phenomenon exists for sexism. Also called institutional racism.