monstrosity

noun

Etymology: From Middle English monstruosite, from Middle French monstruosité and its etymon Late Latin mōnstruōsitās, mōnstrōsitās (“monstrousness”), from Latin mōnstruōsus, mōnstrōsus; by surface analysis, monstrous + -ity.

1. An organism showing abnormal development or deformity.

   “Geoffroy St. Hilaire's experiments show that unnatural treatment of the embryo causes monstrosities; and monstrosities cannot be separated by any clear line of distinction from mere variations.”

2. A monstrous person, thing, or act.

   “St Enoch Centre (1989) - a glass-domed monstrosity of a shopping centre - stands on the site of the station today.”

3. The state of being monstrous.