Noun: phocomelia ,fow-kow'mee-lee-u
- An abnormality of development in which the upper part of an arm or leg is missing so the hands or feet are attached to the body like stumps; rare condition that results from taking thalidomide during pregnancy
"Phocomelia cases increased dramatically due to thalidomide use in the 1960s";
- seal limbs
Derived forms: phocomelias
Type of: meromelia
Encyclopedia: Phocomelia