misformation

Misformation is the incorrect formation or development of a structure, object, or form. The term is used in several disciplines to describe deviations from an intended outcome.

In biology and medicine, misformation is used in teratology to refer to congenital anomalies that arise from abnormal formation during embryonic development. It is often used interchangeably with malformation, though some classifications distinguish primary malformation from deformation or disruption. Causes include genetic mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, teratogenic exposures, and environmental factors during gestation. Examples include neural tube defects, limb malformations, and certain organ malformations. Diagnostic and etiological workups aim to identify risk factors and differentiate misformation from other categories.

In manufacturing and engineering, misformation describes defects arising when an object is shaped or formed incorrectly during processes such as forging, casting, molding, or additive manufacturing. Causes include improper tooling, misalignment, temperature or pressure errors, material defects, or process drift. Consequences are dimensional inaccuracy, weak points, or premature failure. Quality-control measures include monitoring process parameters, non-destructive testing, tight tolerances, and standard operating procedures.

In linguistics and related fields, misformation can refer to incorrect formation of linguistic forms, such as overgeneralization of morphology in language learning. The term is used variably across disciplines, and there is not a single, universally accepted definition.