harelip
UK[ˈheə.lɪp]US[ˈher.lɪp]
n
a congenital condition where a person's lip, especially the upper lip, is split, often associated with a cleft palate.
Etymology
the term "harelip" is a descriptive english compound dating to the 16th century. it derives from the perceived resemblance of the congenital split in the upper lip to the cleft lip of a hare. this folk etymology reflects a time when medical conditions were often named by analogy to animals or familiar objects. the term is now considered outdated and potentially offensive in medical and social contexts, having been largely replaced by the more precise and neutral clinical term "cleft lip."
Analysis
this is a compound word formed from the english words 'hare' and 'lip'. 'hare' is of old english origin (hara), and 'lip' is from old english (lippa).
Examples
the older term "harelip" is rarely used in modern medical practice.
he was born with a harelip, which was surgically corrected in infancy.
the charity provides support for children born with conditions like harelip and cleft palate.