Williams syndrome

noun

Wil·​liams syndrome ˈwil-yəmz- How to pronounce Williams syndrome (audio)
: 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
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.
The week-long residential program for musically talented individuals with Williams syndrome serves a dual purpose of studying the rare genetic condition while providing music enrichment through performance and education. Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 3 July 2024 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of Williams syndrome was in 1981

Dictionary Entries Near Williams syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Williams syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Williams%20syndrome. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

Williams syndrome

noun
Wil·​liams syndrome ˈwil-yəmz- How to pronounce Williams syndrome (audio)
variants also Williams-Beuren syndrome
: 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
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!