albinism

noun

al·​bi·​nism ˈal-bə-ˌni-zəm  al-ˈbī- 

: the condition of an albino

albinistic

ˌal-bə-ˈni-stik 

adjective

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An aberration occurring in humans and other vertebrates, albinism is an absence of pigment in the eyes, skin, hair, scales, or feathers caused by a genetic defect. Albino animals rarely survive in the wild because they lack the pigments that normally provide the protective coloration and a screen against the sun’s rays. Humans have long bred certain albino animals, such as rabbits, for their appearance. In humans with total albinism, the affected person has milk-white skin and hair; the iris of the eye appears pink and the pupil is red. Problems with vision are common in albinism. Total albinism occurs in all races in about one in 20,000 persons.

Examples of albinism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Notice the dark color of the turtle’s eyes in the photo—this is one trait that distinguishes leucism from albinism, since leucism does not affect the eyes’ pigmentation. —Samuel Sanders, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024

Pigment disorders, such as albinism, can occur when too much or too little melanin is produced. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

No or very little eumelanin or pheomelanin (albinism) tends to produce pale skin/white hair. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

Last year, Wyoming’s Bear River State Park saw the birth of another white bison—this animal’s coloration likely comes from cattle genes mixed into its lineage rather than albinism or leucism, and its mother is also a pale white hue. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French albinisme, from albinos (noun and adjective) "albino" (borrowed from Spanish) + -isme -ism — more at albino entry 1

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

albinism

noun

al·​bi·​nism ˈal-bə-ˌniz-əm  al-ˈbī- 

: the condition of an albino

albinistic

ˌal-bə-ˈnis-tik 

adjective