trisomy 21

noun

tri·​so·​my 21 ˈtrī-ˌsō-mē-ˌtwen-tē-ˈwən 

: down syndrome

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

NIPTs are often quite good at identifying Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), especially for older parents who are more likely to have pregnancies affected by these conditions. —Adriana Gallardo, ProPublica, 17 Dec. 2022

But Tennessee restricts abortions specifically on the basis of trisomy 21. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 20 May 2022

Then all the cells of the resultant embryo have a missing or added chromosome, as in trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), where chromosome 21 has three chromosomes instead of a pair. —Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2014

The congenital condition now known as trisomy 21 was previously called Down syndrome, a name chosen to replace the unacceptable term Mongolism. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 28 Nov. 2022

These laws typically target Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, in which the presence of a third chromosome 21 can have a range of physical and mental effects, milder in some children than others. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 20 May 2022

There are three types of Down syndrome: translocation, mosaicism and trisomy 21. —Cnn Editorial Research, CNN, 28 May 2021

For example, having three copies of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) is of clear clinical interest, because that leads to Down syndrome. —Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2021

In those with trisomy 21, the individual possesses a full extra copy of the chromosome. —Cnn Editorial Research, CNN, 28 May 2021

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Word History

Etymology

from the occurrence of trisomy in chromosome 21 of persons with Down syndrome

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

trisomy 21

noun

-ˌtwent-ē-ˈwən 

: down syndrome