fragile x syndrome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Specialist/LowMedical/Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “fragile x syndrome” mean?
A genetic condition, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genetic condition, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder.
A syndrome caused by a mutation on the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome, leading to a range of developmental problems, including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment, and often associated with specific physical and behavioral characteristics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in terminology or spelling.
Connotations
None beyond the medical context.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to medical/ genetic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “fragile x syndrome” in a Sentence
[Patient] has fragile X syndrome.[Patient] was diagnosed with fragile X syndrome.Fragile X syndrome is caused by [genetic mutation].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fragile x syndrome” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The fragile X mutation.
- Fragile X-associated research.
American English
- The Fragile X genetic marker.
- Fragile X-related symptoms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech/pharma contexts discussing research or therapies.
Academic
Common in genetics, pediatrics, psychology, and special education literature.
Everyday
Used primarily by affected families, caregivers, and in related support communities.
Technical
Precise medical term used in clinical diagnostics, genetic counseling, and research papers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fragile x syndrome”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fragile x syndrome”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fragile x syndrome”
- Writing it in lower case (e.g., 'fragile x syndrome').
- Using 'Fragile X' to describe a person instead of the syndrome (prefer 'person with Fragile X syndrome').
- Confusing it with general 'fragility'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a distinct genetic syndrome, but it is a common genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder.
Yes, it affects both males and females, but symptoms are often less severe in females due to their second X chromosome.
There is currently no cure, but various interventions and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
It is an X-linked genetic condition, meaning the mutated gene is located on the X chromosome. It can be passed from carrier parents to their children.
A genetic condition, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder.
Fragile x syndrome is usually medical/technical/academic in register.
Fragile x syndrome: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfrædʒ.aɪl ˈeks ˌsɪn.drəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfrædʒ.əl ˈeks ˌsɪn.droʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Fragile X: Think of the X chromosome being 'fragile' or breakable due to a genetic mutation.
Conceptual Metaphor
None standard; it is a purely technical term.
Practice
Quiz
What does the 'X' in Fragile X syndrome refer to?