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 From the December 2020 issue: Sarah Zhang on the last children of Down syndrome Today, Jenny is 36. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2024 The collection features Barbie dolls with wheelchairs, hearing aids, Down syndrome and inclusive body types that launched in 2016 like curvy, tall and petite. Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Physical features of Down syndrome, as well as the severity of the condition, differ from person to person. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 The last case of Down syndrome was found in a church graveyard in Helsinki, Finland, dating from 1640 to 1790 A.D., researchers said. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2024 These tests, which can be conducted through blood, saliva, or tissue samples, offer hope in diagnosing conditions like Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and many others. Rajeev Ronanki, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 The proud mom welcomed Jones, who was born with Down syndrome and a rare congenital colon abnormality, in August 2022. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 7 Feb. 2024 These twice-weekly sessions at the family’s home in Weatherford are essential for Nora, who was diagnosed with both Down syndrome and Moebius syndrome as an infant. Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024 Having a child with special needs such as autism or a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome impacts the entire family, Hunsley said. Linda Friedel, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Down 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. L. H. Down †1896 English physician

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Down syndrome was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near Down syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Down syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Down%20syndrome. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on Down syndrome

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