Williams syndrome

noun

Wil·​liams syndrome ˈwil-yəmz- How to pronounce Williams syndrome (audio)
: a rare genetic disorder marked especially by hypercalcemia of infants, heart defects, characteristic facial abnormalities, and mild to moderate intellectual disability but a high verbal aptitude

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Charbonnet shares a special bond with Bella, who was born with Williams syndrome, a rare developmental disorder that presents cognitive challenges with math and abstract concepts, among other issues. Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2022 He’s played by the screenwriter’s son, Colin McKenna, who has Williams syndrome. al, 4 Dec. 2020 In contrast, the children with Williams syndrome only showed such responses 64% of the time, which wasn’t significantly different from chance. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2010

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Williams syndrome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

J. C. P. Williams born 1922 New Zealand physician

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Williams syndrome was in 1981

Dictionary Entries Near Williams syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Williams syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Williams%20syndrome. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

Williams syndrome

noun
Wil·​liams syndrome ˈwil-yəmz- How to pronounce Williams syndrome (audio)
variants also Williams-Beuren syndrome
: a rare genetic disorder characterized especially by hypercalcemia of infants, heart defects (as supravalvular aortic stenosis), characteristic facial features (as an upturned nose, long philtrum, wide mouth, full lips, and pointed chin), a sociable personality, and mild to moderate intellectual disability but a high verbal aptitude
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