kənˈjenəd. ə l, -ət ə l adjective
Etymology: Latin congenit us congenital (from com- + genitus, past participle of gignere to beget, bring forth) + English -al — more at kin
1. : existing at or dating from birth
congenital idiocy
congenital malformations
: belonging to or associated with from birth : innate
congenital good health
: constituting an essential characteristic : inherent
the congenital State Department fear of newsmen — A.H.Vandenberg †1951
: from birth or by nature
a congenital liar
2. : acquired during development in the uterus and not through heredity — compare acquired , familial , hereditary
Synonyms: see innate