Down syndrome

noun

variants or Down's syndrome

: a congenital condition characterized especially by developmental delays, usually mild to moderate impairment in cognitive functioning, short stature, upward slanting eyes, a flattened nasal bridge, broad hands with short fingers, decreased muscle tone, and by trisomy of the human chromosome numbered 21

called also trisomy 21

Examples of Down syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some studies have shown that children with Down syndrome and children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to experience teeth grinding. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 16 July 2024

Evidence of a Neanderthal child with Down syndrome who survived to the age of 6 suggests the youngster was cared for by the social group, according to a new study. —Frances Vinall The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 7 July 2024

Neanderthal community cared for child with Down syndrome, fossil suggests Bone found in Spain provides evidence of collaboration, compassion. —Naomi Nix, Washington Post, 30 June 2024

According to the study, life expectancy in 1929 for children with Down syndrome, a condition caused by an extra partial or full chromosome, was 9 years. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 27 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

J. L. H. Down †1896 English physician

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Down syndrome

noun

ˈdau̇n-

variants or Down's syndrome

ˈdau̇n(z)-

: a genetic condition characterized especially by developmental delays, by distinctive physical traits (as short stature and upward slanting eyes), and by the presence of three chromosomes numbered 21 in human beings

Etymology

named for J.L.H. Down, 1828–1896, English doctor

Medical Definition

Down syndrome

noun

variants or Down's syndrome

: a congenital condition characterized especially by developmental delays, usually mild to moderate impairment in cognitive functioning, short stature, relatively small head, upward slanting eyes usually with epicanthal folds, flattened nasal bridge, broad hands with short fingers, decreased muscle tone, and by trisomy of the human chromosome numbered 21

called also Down, Down's, trisomy 21