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

For instance, a requirement that children must be potty trained by age three can be unattainable for some children with Down syndrome or autism. —Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

This year's photo series features 62 individuals with Down syndrome ages 1 to 36. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

As a guest on the Wednesday, Oct. 16 episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast hosted by Shannon Sharpe, the rapper, 54, claimed that his ex abandoned him and their son Joey, now 33, after their son was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. —Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024

Fat Joe revealed that his ex-significant other abandoned their son with Down syndrome. —Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

J. L. H. Down †1896 English physician

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

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