English

Alternative forms

• Down syndrome

Proper noun

Down’s syndrome

1. (chiefly Britain, Canada) Condition caused by a chromosomal deficiency, whereby the patients bear a certain resemblance to the Mongoloid race, such as a small head and tilted eyelids.

Usage notes

More often known as Down syndrome in the US, and rarely so in the UK.

Synonyms

• trisomy 21

Translations

English

A father and his son with Down syndrome

Alternative forms

• Down’s syndrome

Proper noun

Down syndrome

1. (neurology, chiefly US) A medical condition caused by a chromosomal excess, whereby the patients bear a certain resemblance to the Mongoloid race, such as a small head and tilted eyelids, and typically have a delay in cognitive ability and physical growth. [from 1961.]

Synonyms

• mongolism (now offensive)
• trisomy 21

Usage notes

The condition is known only as Down's syndrome in the UK.

Translations