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

Researchers studying three groups of people -- individuals with autism, those with fetal alcohol syndrome, and a "neurotypical" control group -- found that cognitive ability strongly influenced how well participants understood speech in noisy conditions.

From Science Daily

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

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

From Seattle Times

Defense attorneys have argued that Zack suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder, which make Zack impulsive and cause him to be under constant emotional and mental distress.

From Seattle Times

He said his examination shows Cruz falls into fetal alcohol spectrum disorder — a broad category — but does not have the more narrowly defined fetal alcohol syndrome.

From Seattle Times