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

Olivia, a determined 18-year-old girl with Down syndrome, the daughter of a famous biologist, joins a group of environmental activists from the Azores and embarks on a mission to bring the whales back. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2024

Backed by little parenting experience, Sarah cared for Emily with only minimal adjustments based on her Down syndrome. —Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 31 July 2024

Name Mark Tremonti – Creed/Alter Bridge/Tremonti Best known for Songwriter, guitar player, singer, father, pinball enthusiast, painter, Down syndrome advocate. —Liza Lentini, SPIN, 16 Aug. 2024

However, the population is routinely excluded from trials for Alzheimer’s treatments, even though self-advocates with Down syndrome have been pivotal for securing better funding for treatments. —Timmy Broderick, STAT, 15 Aug. 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