galactosemia

[ guh-lak-tuh-see-mee-uh ]

/ gəˌlæk təˈsi mi ə /

noun Pathology.

an inherited disorder characterized by the inability to metabolize galactose and requiring a galactose-free diet to avoid consequent mental retardation and eye, spleen, and liver abnormalities.

Nearby words

galactosan, galactoscope, galactose, galactose cataract, galactose tolerance test, galactosemia, galactosidase, galactoside, galactosis, galactosuria, galactosyl

Origin of galactosemia

First recorded in 1930–35; galactose + -emia

Related formsga·lac·to·se·mic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Medicine definitions for galactosemia

galactosemia

[ gə-lăk′tə-sē′mē-ə ]

n.

An inherited metabolic disorder characterized by the deficiency of an enzyme necessary for galactose metabolism and characterized by elevated levels of galactose in the blood and, if untreated, mental retardation and eye and liver abnormalities.

Related formsga•lac′to•se′mic adj.