Down's syndrome

noun Pathology.

Down syndrome.

Definition for down's syndrome (2 of 2)

Down syndrome

or Down's syndrome

noun Pathology.

a genetic disorder, associated with the presence of an extra chromosome 21, characterized by mild to severe mental impairment, weak muscle tone, shorter stature, and a flattened facial profile.
Also called trisomy 21.
See also trisomy.

Origin of Down syndrome

1960–65; after John L. H. Down (1828–96), British physician

usage note for Down syndrome

Down syndrome (or Down's syndrome ) has replaced earlier terms, such as mongolism to refer to the disease and Mongoloid or Mongol to refer to the affected person, all of which are now considered offensive.

British Dictionary definitions for down's syndrome

Down's syndrome

US Down syndrome

noun

  1. pathol a condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 resulting in learning difficulties and physical differences, such as shorter statureFormer name: offensive mongolism Technical name: trisomy 21
  2. (as modifier)a Down's syndrome baby

Word Origin for Down's syndrome

C19: after John Langdon-Down (1828–96), English physician

usage for Down's syndrome

Although the condition was once generally known as mongolism, this term has been considered offensive since the early 1960s. The terms Down's syndrome or ( US) Down syndrom are now preferred.

Medical definitions for down's syndrome

Down syndrome
[ doun ]

n.

A congenital disorder, caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome, in which the affected person has mild to moderate mental retardation, short stature, and a flattened facial profile. trisomy 21 trisomy 21 syndrome

Scientific definitions for down's syndrome

Down syndrome
[ doun ]
Down's Syndrome (dounz)

A congenital disorder caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. People with Down syndrome have mild to moderate mental retardation, short stature, and a flattened facial profile. The syndrome is named after its discoverer, British physician John Langdon Haydon Down (1828-1896).

Cultural definitions for down's syndrome

Down's syndrome

A congenital condition, caused by an abnormality in the chromosomes, marked by moderate to severe mental retardation and changes in certain physical features.