lameness

noun

lame·​ness
of an animal
: an abnormality in gait or inability to use one or more limbs (as from injury or disease)
Stress fractures may be regarded as the most serious form of lameness [in racehorses] …P. K. Dyson et al., Equine Veterinary Journal
Improvement or even apparent disappearance of lameness can occur as the dog matures, but arthritis of the hip joints is usually present in the older dog with hip dysplasia.Cal Orey, Dog World

Dictionary Entries Near lameness

Cite this Entry

“Lameness.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/lameness. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lameness

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!