1. existing from birth, innate, inborn. congenitalcon*geni*tal , a. [from congenite.] existing at, or dating from, birth; pertaining to one from birth; born with one; connate; constitutional; natural; as, a congenital deformity. see: connate.congenital present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development [syn: inborn, innate, inherent]