hemimelia /-mē′lyə/ [Gk, hemi + melos] , a developmental anomaly characterized by the absence or gross shortening of the lower portion of one or more of the limbs. The condition may involve either or both of the bones of the distal arm or leg and is designated according to which is absent or defective, as fibular, radial, tibial, or ulnar hemimelia. See also ectromelia, phocomelia.
