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• 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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of fragile X syndrome

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

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

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

Between 10 percent and 15 percent of autism cases result from fragile X syndrome or some other known genetic defect.

From New York Times • Apr. 30, 2010