Down syndrome

American  

Or Down's syndrome

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.

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Sensitivity

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.

Etymology

Origin of Down syndrome

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Down syndrome

"They're preying on people who have maybe a bit sympathetic, slightly paternalistic view of Down syndrome," he said.

From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026

YouTuber Jesse Ridgway and his wife, Ashley, shared that they terminated their pregnancy following a Down syndrome diagnosis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2026

We heard from a mother, Opal Foster, whose 18-year-old son has Down syndrome and lives at home as he strives to become a chef.

From Salon ● Apr. 29, 2026

The Eriksons also had a fourth child, Neil, who had Down syndrome and was sent to an institution immediately after birth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025

“My brother’s name was Michael. The football cards were his. He was older than me. He had Down syndrome and leukemia, and was real sick, so my parents had me in order to save him.”

From "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea

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