Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

desmoid tumor, cortical
A tumor that arises in
embryonic tissue.
desmoplasia
The growth of fibrous or connec-
tive tissue anywhere in the body.
desmoplastic reaction
A reaction that is associ-
ated with some tumors and is characterized by the
pervasive growth of dense fibrous tissue around the
tumor. The formation of scar tissue (adhesion)
within the abdomen after abdominal surgery is
another type of desmoplastic reaction.
desquamate
To shed the outer layers of the skin.
desquamation
The shedding of the outer layers
of the skin. For example, when the rash of measles
fades, desquamation occurs.
deuteranomaly
See 
colorblindness.
deuteranopia
See 
colorblindness.
development
The process of growth and differ-
entiation. The most important stage of human devel-
opment occurs before birth, as tissues and organs
arise from differentiation of cells in the embryo.
This process continues until birth, and interruptions
in development result in the most serious types of
birth defects, such as anencephaly and spina bifida.
The developmental process continues after birth, as
an infant or child grows physically, develops basic
brain-based abilities such as speech and hand–eye
coordination, and learns. Interruptions in any of
these processes can result in developmental delay.
development, embryonic
See 
prenatal devel-
opment.
development, fetal
See 
prenatal development.
developmental delay
A condition in which a
child is behind schedule in reaching milestones of
early childhood development. This term is often
used as a euphemism for mental retardation, which
can be less a delay than a permanent limitation of a
child’s ability to progress.