fetal alcohol syndrome

American  

noun

1. a pattern of birth defects caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy: considered as one of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. FAS

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fetal alcohol syndrome British  

noun

1. a condition in newborn babies caused by excessive intake of alcohol by the mother during pregnancy: characterized by various defects including mental retardation

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fetal alcohol syndrome Scientific  

/ fē′təl /

1. A syndrome of congenital defects caused by maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy and characterized by any of various abnormalities, including growth and mental retardation, cranial and facial malformations, and cardiac defects.

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Etymology

Origin of fetal alcohol syndrome

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Researchers studying three groups of people -- individuals with autism, those with fetal alcohol syndrome, and a "neurotypical" control group -- found that cognitive ability strongly influenced how well participants understood speech in noisy conditions.

From Science Daily • Oct. 29, 2025

Kelly-Eve Koopman, a writer and social justice activist, said the Dop System had created a cycle of dependency, subjugation, poverty, abuse and high rates of fetal alcohol syndrome whose impact was still affecting communities today.

From Reuters • Oct. 26, 2023

He said his examination shows Cruz falls into fetal alcohol spectrum disorder — a broad category — but does not have the more narrowly defined fetal alcohol syndrome.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2022

His attorneys say the tests bolster their claim that Cruz suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome.

From Washington Post • Aug. 14, 2022

The judge will first hold a hearing without the jury to decide if defense lawyers can use a map of Mr. Cruz’s brain as evidence of the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome.

From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2022