cat's cry syndrome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowMedical/Term
Quick answer
What does “cat's cry syndrome” mean?
A rare genetic disorder (Cri-du-chat syndrome) caused by a missing piece of chromosome 5, characterized by a high-pitched cry in infants resembling a cat's meow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare genetic disorder (Cri-du-chat syndrome) caused by a missing piece of chromosome 5, characterized by a high-pitched cry in infants resembling a cat's meow.
A medical condition involving intellectual disability, delayed development, and distinctive facial features, along with the characteristic cry that gives the syndrome its name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning. Both use the same term.
Connotations
Purely medical/clinical connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to medical literature and discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “cat's cry syndrome” in a Sentence
[Patient] was diagnosed with cat's cry syndrome.The infant presented with features consistent with cat's cry syndrome.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cat's cry syndrome” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cat's cry syndrome presentation was textbook.
American English
- The cat's cry syndrome diagnosis was confirmed genetically.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and genetics textbooks, research papers, and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation unless discussing specific medical conditions.
Technical
Standard term in clinical genetics, pediatrics, and genetic counseling.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cat's cry syndrome”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cat's cry syndrome”
- Misspelling as 'cats cry syndrome' (omitting the apostrophe).
- Using it as a general metaphor for any shrill sound.
- Pronouncing 'cry' as /kriː/ instead of /kraɪ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are the same condition. 'Cri-du-chat' is the original French medical term, and 'cat's cry syndrome' is its descriptive English translation.
No, it is a very rare genetic disorder, occurring in approximately 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 50,000 live births.
Yes, it is a lifelong condition. Individuals are born with it and have it throughout their lives, though the characteristic cry is most prominent in infancy.
Almost never. It is a highly specific medical term and is not used in everyday metaphorical or figurative language.
A rare genetic disorder (Cri-du-chat syndrome) caused by a missing piece of chromosome 5, characterized by a high-pitched cry in infants resembling a cat's meow.
Cat's cry syndrome is usually medical/term in register.
Cat's cry syndrome: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæts ˌkraɪ ˌsɪndrəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæts ˌkraɪ ˌsɪndroʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The baby's cry sounds like a CAT'S CRY, which is the SYNDROME's main clue.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DISEASE IS A SOUND (The defining characteristic of the medical condition is metaphorically framed as a specific sound).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that gives 'cat's cry syndrome' its name?