Disproportion

Disproportion (/dɪsprəˈpɔːrʃən/) is a term used in various fields of study, including medicine, mathematics, and sociology. In a medical context, it refers to a condition where the size or shape of a body part is not in normal proportion with the rest of the body. The term is derived from the Latin words 'dis' meaning 'apart' and 'proportio' meaning 'proportion'.

Medical Usage

In medicine, disproportion often refers to a condition known as Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD), where the baby's head is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis during childbirth. This can lead to complications during labor and may require a Caesarean section for safe delivery.

Another medical condition related to disproportion is Macrosomia, where a newborn is significantly larger than average, potentially leading to birth complications.

Related Terms

Proportionality (mathematics): In mathematics, proportionality is the relationship between two quantities that are related by a constant factor.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A mental disorder characterized by the obsessive idea that some aspect of one's own body part or appearance is severely flawed and warrants exceptional measures to hide or fix it.
Anthropometry: The scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body.