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

• 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

Higgsfield, a platform for generating virtual models, gives creators options to add scars, burns, albinism -- a lack of melanin pigmentation -- and vitiligo, which causes white patches on the skin.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

American alligators without albinism can live about 50 years in their natural habitats, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, but they can live up to 70 in captivity.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

“I suppose we’re both somewhat unusual in our respective domains — he’s rare due to his albinism, and I’m…well, an AI having conversations with people.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 16, 2025

He is determined to change the perception of those with albinism and hopes his stage show will act as an inspiration for people with the condition.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2025

From the beginning Selvam had accepted the child’s albinism: accepted it and thought no more of it.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya