Meðfætt

Meðfætt is an Icelandic word that translates to "innate" or "congenital" in English. It is often used in contexts related to biology, medicine, and psychology to describe characteristics or conditions that are present from birth.

In a biological or medical context, "meðfætt" can refer to genetic traits, physical anomalies, or diseases that an individual is born with. For example, a "meðfæddur galla" would be a congenital defect, and "meðfæddur sjúkdómur" would denote a congenital disease. These conditions are not acquired during a person's lifetime but are determined by their genetic makeup or developmental processes before birth.

In psychology and behavioral science, "meðfætt" can describe innate predispositions or behaviors. This might include certain instincts or temperamental tendencies that appear to be inherent rather than learned. The distinction between innate and learned behaviors is a significant topic of discussion in these fields, and "meðfætt" is the term used to denote the former. The concept helps differentiate between what is considered a natural part of an organism's makeup and what is acquired through experience and environment.