noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
strange shape; unusual shape
Describes something with an odd or unconventional form, not necessarily implying a medical condition. Can be used for objects, natural formations, or abstract shapes.
The cloud had a strange shape.
奇形の花が庭に咲いていた。
A malformed flower was blooming in the garden.
He collects unusually shaped stones.
変形 means 'transformation' or 'deformation' and often implies a change from a previous state, while 奇形 focuses on the resulting abnormal shape itself, often from birth or inherent structure.
不具 is an older term for physical disability or defect, now often considered insensitive. 奇形 is more neutral and specific to shape abnormalities.
Standard modern spelling. Preferred in news and general use.
Older kanji form still seen in medical or formal contexts. 畸 is not a jōyō kanji.
Rarely used variant; 畸 is not a jōyō kanji.
Search-only form; not a standard spelling.
奇 (strange, unusual) + 形 (shape, form). The kanji combination directly conveys 'strange shape'. The older form 畸形 uses 畸 (deformed, abnormal), which is not a jōyō kanji, leading to the modern replacement with 奇.