trisomy

noun

tri·​so·​my ˈtrī-ˌsō-mē How to pronounce trisomy (audio)
plural trisomies
: the condition (as in Down syndrome) of having one or a few chromosomes triploid in an otherwise diploid set
trisomic adjective or noun

Examples of trisomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Testing, however, soon revealed trisomy 18, a genetic abnormality that is usually fatal, often before birth. Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 1 Sep. 2025 Around 12 weeks into the pregnancy, doctors told Downs' sister, Tatum Green of Atlanta, the baby had a severe genetic condition called Edwards Syndrome or trisomy 18. Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 That’s partly because, unlike a condition with a clear genetic marker like Down Syndrome or trisomy 18, ASD encompasses a wide range of conditions that share some characteristics. Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2025 At a 14-week ultrasound, doctors saw an indicator of a genetic trisomy. Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trisomy

Word History

Etymology

tri- + -some entry 3 + -y entry 2

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trisomy was in 1930

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trisomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trisomy. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

trisomy

noun
tri·​so·​my ˈtrī-ˌsō-mē How to pronounce trisomy (audio)
plural trisomies
: the condition (as in Down syndrome) of having one or a few chromosomes triploid in an otherwise diploid set

More from Merriam-Webster on trisomy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!