stereotypy

noun

ste·​reo·​ty·​py ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtī-pē 

ˈstir-

plural stereotypies

1

medical : frequent repetition of the same, typically purposeless movement, gesture, posture, or vocal sounds or utterances (as in autism spectrum disorder)

This disorder is characterized by postnatal reduction in brain growth, with hand stereotypy, seizures, sensorimotor and autonomic deficits, and curtailment of social, language, cognitive, and neurologic development.

—Isabelle Rapin

Stereotypies are problematic because they compete for time and energy that a child could be using to learn new skills.

—Alan Harchik

2

veterinary medicine : abnormal repetitive behavior

Spending time away from family and a familiar environment can be very stressful for some pets. It appears that Max has developed a stereotypy (circling) as a result of the anxiety he feels at the kennel.

—Katherine A. Houpt

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In the zoo, a stereotypy such as pacing or swimming in circles suggests that an animal is in distress. —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2012

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

stereotypy

noun

ste·​reo·​ty·​py ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtī-pē  ˈstir- 

plural stereotypies

: frequent repetition of the same, typically purposeless movement, gesture, posture, or vocal sounds or utterances (as in autism spectrum disorder)