galactosemia

noun ga·lac·to·semia \ gə-ˌlak-tə-ˈsē-mē-ə \

Definition of galactosemia

: a metabolic disorder that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and in which galactose accumulates in the blood due to deficiency of an enzyme catalyzing its conversion to glucose

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galactosemic

play \gə-ˌlak-tə-ˈsē-mik\ adjective

Recent Examples of galactosemia from the Web

And compared with the rest of Europe, the Irish have higher rates of cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and galactosemia, a serious metabolic disorder that prevents the breakdown of sugars in dairy, legumes, and organ meats.

— National Geographic, "Irish Ancestry Surprises Revealed by New DNA Map," 14 Dec. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of galactosemia

galactose + -emia (probably after German Galactosämie)

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1932

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

galactosemia

noun ga·lac·tos·emia

variants: or chiefly British galactosaemia play \gə-ˌlak-tə-ˈsē-mē-ə\

medical Definition of galactosemia

: a metabolic disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait in which galactose accumulates in the blood due to deficiency of an enzyme catalyzing its conversion to glucose

… there might someday be a panel of simultaneous tests for cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria and galactosemia, three of the most important genetic disorders among white Americans.
—Harold M. Schmeck, Jr., The New York Times, 18 Oct. 1983

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