— congenitally , adv. — congenitalness , n.
/keuhn jen"i tl/ , adj.
1. of or pertaining to a condition present at birth, whether inherited or caused by the environment, esp. the uterine environment.
2. having by nature a specified character: a congenital fool.
[ 1790-1800; congenit ( us ) connate ( con- CON- + geni-, var. s. of gignere to give birth + -tus ptp. suffix) + -AL 1 ]
Syn. 1. See innate .