albinism

American  

[al-buh-niz-uhm] / ˈæl bəˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. the state or condition of being an albino.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• albinistic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of albinism

First recorded in 1830–40; albin(o) + -ism

Explanation

Albinism is a genetic condition that causes a person to have pale hair, eyes, and skin. In animals, albinism results in white fur, skin, scales, or feathers, and pink or red eyes. Inheriting the particular genes responsible for albinism means a person's body is missing the pigments that give some of us dark brown eyes or bright red hair, for example. This lack of pigmentation results in very light-colored hair, eyelashes, and skin, and typically pale blue eyes. Aside from these physical characteristics, people with albinism are especially sensitive to sunburn. The Latin root of albinism is albus, or "white."

Example Sentences

Albinism is more common in sub-Saharan Africa, where it affects about 1 in 5,000 people.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2023

Albinism is a genetic condition characterised by a lack of the protective pigment melanin in the hair, skin and eyes.

From Reuters • Jul. 17, 2023

Albinism affects the production of melanin and people with the condition may have skin that burns easily in the sun and eye problems, including poor sight.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2022

“We have to focus on success, not pity,” said Brenda Mudzimu, founder of the Miss Albinism Trust, which runs the pageant.

From Washington Times • Jun. 13, 2020

Albinism, and order of birth, 125, 126. heredity of, 142.

From The Social Direction of Evolution An Outline of the Science of Eugenics by Kellicott, William E.