Definition of ALBINISM

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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.

Examples of albinism in a Sentence

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Advertising Opposition candidate Chakwera has vowed to end the killings of people with albinism within a month of taking office. — Gregory Gondwe, The Seattle Times, "Jobs, corruption top issues as Malawi votes for president," 19 May 2019 More amazing photography projects: Now watch what makes this woman with albinism feel beautiful: Follow Kaleigh on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to Allure's newsletter for daily beauty stories delivered right to your inbox. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Exclusive: This Powerful Portrait Series Shows Body Positivity Is More Than a Trend," 28 Sep. 2018 But artist Peter DeVito's latest project is an attempt to normalize common skin conditions—including albinism, vitiligo, and alopecia—and celebrate people with all types of skin. — Korin Miller, SELF, "This Photographer Is Documenting the Realities of Living With Skin Conditions," 14 June 2018 Taking that to heart is 20-year-old photographer Peter DeVito, who has released an extensive collection of pictures featuring subjects with vitiligo, albinism, freckles, and birthmarks all in an effort to reclaim the stigma against them. — Zoë Weiner, Teen Vogue, "Skin Condition Photo Series Features Models With Albinism and Vitiligo," 11 June 2018 My mission has always been to raise awareness about albinism and to challenge what society thought about us. — Zoë Weiner, Teen Vogue, "How "First" Faces of Beauty Brands Are Pushing for More Inclusivity," 16 Mar. 2018 The rate of albinism in Africa is much higher than in other parts of the world. — Deutsche Welle, USA TODAY, "Zimbabwe crowns first 'Miss Albino' in bid to tackle stigma," 17 Mar. 2018 The medical term for Savannah's visual impairment is oculocutaneous albinism. — Tim Funk, charlotteobserver, "Legally blind, she never could see her dad play for the Panthers. Now he cheers for her.," 15 June 2018 Diandra Forrest has albinism, a condition that results in little or no production of melanin, the pigment that helps determine the color of your skin, hair, and eyes, per the Mayo Clinic. — Korin Miller, SELF, "This Photographer Is Documenting the Realities of Living With Skin Conditions," 14 June 2018

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.