fetal alcohol syndrome

American  

noun

1. a pattern of birth defects caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy: considered as one of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. FAS

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fetal alcohol syndrome British  

noun

1. a condition in newborn babies caused by excessive intake of alcohol by the mother during pregnancy: characterized by various defects including mental retardation

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fetal alcohol syndrome Scientific  

/ fē′təl /

1. A syndrome of congenital defects caused by maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy and characterized by any of various abnormalities, including growth and mental retardation, cranial and facial malformations, and cardiac defects.

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Etymology

Origin of fetal alcohol syndrome

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

To test their hypothesis, researchers recruited people with autism and fetal alcohol syndrome, both groups known to experience challenges with listening in noisy settings despite normal hearing.

From Science Daily • Oct. 29, 2025

Kelly-Eve Koopman, a writer and social justice activist, said the Dop System had created a cycle of dependency, subjugation, poverty, abuse and high rates of fetal alcohol syndrome whose impact was still affecting communities today.

From Reuters • Oct. 26, 2023

Zack’s lawyers sought to stop the execution, arguing he is a victim of fetal alcohol syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 2, 2023

His attorneys say the tests bolster their claim that Cruz suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome.

From Washington Post • Aug. 14, 2022

The judge will first hold a hearing without the jury to decide if defense lawyers can use a map of Mr. Cruz’s brain as evidence of the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome.

From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2022