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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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.

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

The only redeeming aspect of the show happens here, on a ski slope, when their youngest daughter Valentina, who was born with Down syndrome, is treated to a lesson via an adaptive ski school.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026

"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

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

Alistair also takes an interest in the intellectual and developmental disabilities community, writing about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine on people with autism, Down syndrome and other conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 16, 2026

There was already a special education class in the school, but Charlie became the first kid with Down syndrome to attend Montgomery Middle.

From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya

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