Jump To:

• fragile X syndrome
  fragile X syndrome

  noun

  an inherited genetic disorder caused by a faulty gene on the X chromosome and having various possible effects, including developmental delays in infancy and early childhood, learning disabilities, intellectual disability, and a number of social, behavioral, and physical difficulties.
• fragile-X syndrome
  fragile-X syndrome

  noun

  an inherited condition characterized by mental subnormality: affected individuals have an X-chromosome that is easily damaged under certain conditions

fragile X syndrome

American  

[fraj-uhl eks sin-drohm, -druhm, frajahyl] / ˈfrædʒ əl ˈɛks ˌsɪn droʊm, -drəm, ˈfrædʒaɪl /

noun

1. an inherited genetic disorder caused by a faulty gene on the X chromosome and having various possible effects, including developmental delays in infancy and early childhood, learning disabilities, intellectual disability, and a number of social, behavioral, and physical difficulties.

---

fragile-X syndrome British  

noun

1. an inherited condition characterized by mental subnormality: affected individuals have an X-chromosome that is easily damaged under certain conditions

---

Etymology

Origin of fragile X syndrome

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fragile X syndrome fragile-X syndrome

Their results fundamentally change how scientists understand the developmental origins of fragile X syndrome and suggest a potential treatment for brain cells damaged by the dysfunction.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2023

"Blocking the CB1 receptor can relieve seizures and memory issues in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, a condition related to autism," Spectrum News explained, citing a 2013 study in Nature Medicine.

From Salon ● Apr. 20, 2022

Both studies found several hits in genes regulated by the fragile X mental retardation protein, which is missing in fragile X syndrome, a disorder that can lead to intellectual disability and autism.

From Nature ● Apr. 2, 2014

Seaside Therapeutics, a private company in Cambridge, Mass., is developing drugs to treat autism and a form of mental retardation known as fragile X syndrome in a partnership with Roche.

From New York Times ● Apr. 25, 2013

Huber adds that drugs that block a similar receptor, mGluR5, are in clinical trials to treat fragile X syndrome.

From Science Magazine ● Sep. 13, 2012

The illnesses include heart defects, spinal muscular atrophy, neurofibromatosis type 1 and fragile-X syndrome, the most common form of mental retardation in boys, among many others.

From Seattle Times ● May 15, 2012