Down syndrome

or Down's syndrome

noun

, Pathology.

1. a genetic disorder, associated with the presence of an extra chromosome 21, characterized by mild to severe mental impairment, weak muscle tone, shorter stature, and a flattened facial profile.

Sensitive Note

Down syndrome (or Down's syndrome ) has replaced earlier terms, such as mongolism to refer to the disease and Mongoloid or Mongol to refer to the affected person, all of which are now considered offensive.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Down syndrome¹

First recorded in 1960–65; after John L. H. Down (1828–96), British physician

Example Sentences

Advanced maternal age dramatically increases the risk of maternal mortality as well as birth defects like Down Syndrome.

From The Daily Beast

Jolly somehow finds the time to also manage a restaurant and help kids who have Autism and Down syndrome ride horses.

From The Daily Beast

In 1975, Sesame Street became the first children's program to feature someone with Down Syndrome.

From The Daily Beast

Saylor, a 26-year-old man with Down syndrome, tried to re-watch a movie in a theater without buying another ticket.

From The Daily Beast

Richard Dawkins recently tweeted that knowingly birthing a baby with Down syndrome is immoral.

From The Daily Beast