albinism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Scientific / Medical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “albinism” mean?
A congenital condition characterized by a partial or complete lack of pigment (melanin) in the skin, hair, and eyes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A congenital condition characterized by a partial or complete lack of pigment (melanin) in the skin, hair, and eyes.
The term can also refer broadly to any condition of lacking normal pigmentation in living organisms, such as in plants or animals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or pronunciation differences. Usage contexts are identical.
Connotations
Identical; a neutral, clinical term.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in scientific/medical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “albinism” in a Sentence
Albinism is caused by...Albinism results in...Albinism affects...Albinism is associated with...She has albinism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “albinism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The albinistic gene is recessive.
- Albinistic traits were observed in the population.
American English
- The albinistic variant affects melanin production.
- Albinistic characteristics include light sensitivity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in genetics, biology, medical, and anthropology papers.
Everyday
Rare; used when specifically discussing the condition.
Technical
The standard term in ophthalmology, dermatology, and genetics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “albinism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “albinism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “albinism”
- Using 'albinism' as an adjective (e.g., 'albinism child' instead of 'child with albinism'). Confusing it with vitiligo (which is patchy, acquired loss of pigment).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a genetic condition, not an illness or a disease. It is a lifelong condition present from birth.
There is no cure for the lack of melanin pigment itself. Management focuses on protecting the skin and eyes from the sun and addressing vision issues.
'A person with albinism' is generally preferred as it uses person-first language. 'Albino' can be considered outdated or even derogatory by some, though it is still used in biological contexts for animals.
No, it is relatively rare. Global prevalence is estimated at approximately 1 in 17,000 to 20,000 people, though it can be higher in certain populations.
A congenital condition characterized by a partial or complete lack of pigment (melanin) in the skin, hair, and eyes.
Albinism is usually scientific / medical / formal in register.
Albinism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈælbɪnɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælbəˌnɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ALBino-ISm' – the state (-ism) of being an albino.
Conceptual Metaphor
LACK OF COLOUR IS A GENETIC CONDITION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically associated with albinism?