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Showing results for "Down's syndrome"

Down's syndrome

British  

noun

    1. Former name: mongolism.  Technical name: trisomy 21offensive 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

    2. ( as modifier )

      a Down's syndrome baby

"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

Down's syndrome Cultural  
  1. A congenital condition, caused by an abnormality in the chromosomes, marked by moderate to severe mental retardation and changes in certain physical features.


Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of Down's syndrome

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It comes after the BBC flagged dozens of profiles showing AI-generated images of women with disabilities, including Down's syndrome or vitiligo.

From BBC Feb. 26, 2026

Dot Gallagher's son Michael, 38, is in a relationship with Alison Williams, 42, and they both have Down's syndrome.

From BBC Dec. 28, 2025

The presenter, who has Down's syndrome, says: "I'm looking forward to sword fighting, the Tinkerbell stuff - everything really, it's just so exciting."

From BBC Sep. 9, 2025

Sara Pickard, a community councillor who has Down's syndrome, said the number of avoidable deaths and the difference in life expectancy was shocking.

From BBC Sep. 9, 2025

The 32-year-old, who has a daughter with Down's syndrome and a son awaiting neuro and cognitive assessments, said the campsite "facilitates everybody".

From BBC Aug. 28, 2025

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