progeria

[ proh-jeer-ee-uh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a rare congenital abnormality characterized by premature and rapid aging, the affected individual appearing in childhood as an aged person and having a shortened life span.

progeria

/ prəʊˈdʒɪərɪə /

noun

1. med premature old age, a rare condition occurring in children and characterized by small stature, absent or greying hair, wrinkled skin, and other signs of old age

Word History and Origins

Origin of progeria¹

1900–05; < New Latin < Greek progḗr ( ōs ) prematurely old ( pro- pro- ² + gêr ( as ) old age + -ōs adj. suffix) + New Latin -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of progeria¹

C20: from pro- ² + Greek gēras old age

Example Sentences

They genetically engineered mice afflicted with progeria, a condition that causes extremely rapid aging, so that all their cells would make the Yamanaka factors, but only when they were fed a special supplement in their food.

From MIT Technology Review

Everyone makes some progerin, and the body makes more as it gets older, Kleinman explains, but “children with progeria make a huge amount.”

From Science News

An estimated 350 to 400 kids across the world have progeria.

From Science News

Children with progeria end up with higher amounts of a defective protein called progerin, which is similar to lamin A but with an extra piece attached.

From Science News