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mal-

The combining form mal- has four meanings.

Meaning 1: bad, badly

  • A malodorous discharge may indicate an infection.

Meaning 2: abnormal, abnormally

  • The child was born with a heart malformation.

Meaning 3: poor, poorly

  • The organization works to save the lives of malnourished children.

Meaning 4: not

  • The young man was very maladroit.