Williams syndrome

noun

Wil·​liams syndrome ˈwil-yəmz- 

: a rare genetic disorder marked especially by hypercalcemia of infants, heart defects, characteristic facial abnormalities, and mild to moderate intellectual disability but a high verbal aptitude

Examples of Williams syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Best Buddies serves individuals with a range of disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury. —Theresa Vargas, Washington Post, 24 June 2023

As a stepfather to Julia, a 26-year-old with Williams syndrome, Hershey knows firsthand about protecting the rights and seeing to the needs of those with intellectual and developmental challenges. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2021

Charbonnet shares a special bond with Bella, who was born with Williams syndrome, a rare developmental disorder that presents cognitive challenges with math and abstract concepts, among other issues. —Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2022

He’s played by the screenwriter’s son, Colin McKenna, who has Williams syndrome. —al, 4 Dec. 2020

In contrast, the children with Williams syndrome only showed such responses 64% of the time, which wasn’t significantly different from chance. —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2010

Word History

Etymology

J. C. P. Williams born 1922 New Zealand physician

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Williams syndrome

noun

Wil·​liams syndrome ˈwil-yəmz- 

variants also Williams-Beuren syndrome

-ˈbȯi-rən- 

: a rare genetic disorder characterized especially by hypercalcemia of infants, heart defects (as supravalvular aortic stenosis), characteristic facial features (as an upturned nose, long philtrum, wide mouth, full lips, and pointed chin), a sociable personality, and mild to moderate intellectual disability but a high verbal aptitude