Note: The formmale- is chiefly used in cases where the c,
either alone or with other letters, is pronounced as a
separate syllable, as in malediction, malefactor,
maleficent, etc. Where this is not the case, as in
malfeasance or male-feasance, malformation or
male-formation, etc., as also where the word to which
it is prefixed commences with a vowel, as in
maladministration, etc., the form malis to be
preferred, and is the one commonly employed.