278. Monsters

See also 286. MYTHOLOGY .

dysmorphophobia

an abnormal dread of deformity, usually in others.

monstrosity

1. the state or quality of being monstrous.

2. a monster or monsterlike thing or person. —monstrous , adj.

prodigiosity

1. the state, quality, or phenomenon of being immense, wondrous, or extraordinary.

2. a prodigious thing, person, or event.

teratism

a love of monsters or marvels. Also called teratosis .

teratoid

Biology. resembling a monster.

teratology

1. the writing or collecting of fantasies containing monsters and prodigies.

2. Biology. the scientific study of monstrosities or abnormal formations in plants or animals. —teratologist , n. —teratological , adj.

teratophobia

an abnormal fear of monsters or of giving birth to a monster.

teratosis

teratism.