Klinefelter's syndrome

noun

Kline·​fel·​ter's syndrome ˈklīn-ˌfel-tərz- How to pronounce Klinefelter's syndrome (audio)
: an abnormal condition in a male characterized by usually two X and one Y chromosomes, infertility, smallness of the testicles, sparse facial and body hair, and enlarged breasts

called also Klinefelter syndrome

Word History

Etymology

Harry F. Klinefelter †1990 American physician

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Klinefelter's syndrome was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near Klinefelter's syndrome

Klimt

Klinefelter's syndrome

Kling

Cite this Entry

“Klinefelter's syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Klinefelter%27s%20syndrome. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

Klinefelter's syndrome

noun
Kline·​fel·​ter's syndrome ˈklīn-ˌfel-tərz- How to pronounce Klinefelter's syndrome (audio)
variants also Klinefelter syndrome
: an abnormal condition in a male characterized by two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome, infertility, smallness of the testes, sparse facial and body hair, and gynecomastia

More from Merriam-Webster on Klinefelter's syndrome

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!