albinism

noun al·bi·nism \ ˈal-bə-ˌni-zəm , al-ˈbī- \

Definition of albinism

: the condition of an albino

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albinistic

play \ˌal-bə-ˈnis-tik\ adjective

Recent Examples of albinism from the Web

Played by Jones, a relative acting neophyte better known to some hip-hop fans as Krondon, Tobias couples menace with abrupt violence and, as both actor and character have albinism, the character's imposing threat feels unfamiliar.

— daniel fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Black Lightning': TV Review," 15 Jan. 2018
Skin cancer is the primary killer of people with albinism in Africa, according to local rights groups.

— daniel wesangula, The Christian Science Monitor, "Girl with albinism wins top school prize in Kenya," 8 Dec. 2017
Folks who've previously had a hard time finding their shade are now able to find makeup that matches their skin tone with this inclusive beauty line — including people with albinism, like Krystal Robertson.

— rosemary donahue, Allure, "This Albino Woman's Review of Fenty Beauty Proves the Brand Is Truly Inclusive," 17 Sep. 2017
The Jakarta Post reports that the foundation is closely studying albinism in apes to determine how to best help Alba.

— National Geographic, "Extremely Rare Albino Orangutan Found in Indonesia," 18 May 2017
Kash Pressley was born with ocular albinism, an eye condition that reduces the coloring of the iris and retina.

— lavendrick smith, charlotteobserver, "NC family hopes $10,000 glasses will give son eyesight | Charlotte Observer," 18 Oct. 2017
As a since-viral tweet from another woman with albinism demonstrated, the beauty industry has a long way to go.

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "Diandra Forrest Is the First Model With Albinism to Be the Face of a Major Beauty Brand," 11 Oct. 2017
Drugstore fave Wet n Wild is about to make beauty brand history by introducing the very first model with albinism as the face of a major campaign.

— de elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Wet n Wild To Feature Diandra Forrest In Breaking Beauty Campaign," 11 Oct. 2017
Conversely albinism is a genetic mutation that prevents the body from producing any pigment, and is often marked by the presence of pink eyes.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Two Rare White Giraffes Filmed in Kenya," 15 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'albinism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

An aberration occurring in humans and other vertebrates, albinism is an absence of pigment in the eyes, skin, hair, scales, or feathers caused by a genetic defect. Albino animals rarely survive in the wild because they lack the pigments that normally provide the protective coloration and a screen against the sun’s rays. Humans have long bred certain albino animals, such as rabbits, for their appearance. In humans with total albinism, the affected person has milk-white skin and hair; the iris of the eye appears pink and the pupil is red. Problems with vision are common in albinism. Total albinism occurs in all races in about one in 20,000 persons.