Down's syndrome

US Down syndrome

noun

- pathol a condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 resulting in learning difficulties and physical differences, such as shorter stature: Former name: offensive mongolism Technical name: trisomy 21
- (as modifier): a Down's syndrome baby

Origin of Down's syndrome

C19: after John Langdon-Down (1828–96), English physician

usage For Down's syndrome

Although the condition was once generally known as mongolism, this term has been considered offensive since the early 1960s. The terms Down's syndrome or (US) Down syndrom are now preferred.

Words Nearby Down's syndrome

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for Down's syndrome

Down's syndrome

A congenital condition, caused by an abnormality in the chromosomes, marked by moderate to severe mental retardation and changes in certain physical features.

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