| defoliation | The separation of ripened leaves from a branch or stem; the falling or shedding of the leaves. Origin: LL. Defoliare, defoliatum, to shed leaves; L. De- + folium leaf: cf. F. Defoliation. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| deform | Deformed; misshapen; shapeless; horrid. "Sight so deform what heart of rock could long Dry-eyed behold?" (Milton) Origin: L. Deformis; de- + forma form: cf. OF. Deforme, F. Difforme. Cf. Difform. 1. To spoil the form of; to mar in form; to misshape; to disfigure. "Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time Into this breathing world." (Shak) 2. To render displeasing; to deprive of comeliness, grace, or perfection; to dishonor. "Above those passions that this world deform." (Thomson) Origin: L. Deformare; de- + formare to form, shape, fr. Forma: cf. F. Deformer. See Form. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| deformability | The ability of cells, such as erythrocytes, to change shape as they pass through narrow spaces, such as the microvasculature. (05 Mar 2000) |
| deformation | A change from the normal size or shape. Also called deformity. A deformation can be present at birth (congenital) or develop after birth (acquired). (12 Dec 1998) |
| deforming | Causing a deviation from the normal form. (05 Mar 2000) |
| deformity | A permanent structural deviation from the normal shape or size, resulting in disfigurement; may be congenital or acquired. Synonym: deformation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| defunct | Having finished the course of life; dead; deceased. "Defunct organs." "The boar, defunct, lay tripped up, near." (Byron) Origin: L. Defunctus, p. P. Of defungi to acquit one's self of, to perform, finish, depart, die; de + fungi to perform, discharge: cf. F. Defunt. See Function. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| defurfuration | The shedding of the epidermis in the form of fine scales. Synonym: branny desquamation. Origin: L. De, away from, + furfur, bran (05 Mar 2000) |