mongolian fold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Anthropological/Medical; potentially offensive in casual use
Quick answer
What does “mongolian fold” mean?
A distinctive skin fold of the upper eyelid, extending from the nose to the inner part of the eyebrow, covering the inner corner (canthus) of the eye.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A distinctive skin fold of the upper eyelid, extending from the nose to the inner part of the eyebrow, covering the inner corner (canthus) of the eye.
A phenotypic trait common in many East Asian, Central Asian, Native American, and some Arctic populations, sometimes referred to as an 'epicanthic fold'. In non-anthropological contexts, the term can be considered outdated and potentially imprecise or offensive due to its racial categorization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical and equally specialized. Both varieties prefer the more neutral 'epicanthic fold' in contemporary technical writing.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries strong anthropological/biological connotations. Its use outside these fields can be perceived as racial stereotyping or outdated.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Almost exclusively found in historical anthropological texts or older medical descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “mongolian fold” in a Sentence
[Person/Group] + has/have + a Mongolian foldThe Mongolian fold + is + [adjective]Mongolian fold + [verb: appears, covers]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mongolian fold” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The anthropological report described the Mongolian fold characteristics in the population.
American English
- The outdated textbook referenced Mongolian fold phenotypes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used historically in physical anthropology and human biology. Modern academia favors 'epicanthic fold'.
Everyday
Highly unlikely and potentially offensive. Should be avoided.
Technical
May appear in older medical or anthropological literature. Contemporary technical terms are 'epicanthic fold' or 'palpebronasal fold'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mongolian fold”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mongolian fold”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mongolian fold”
- Using the term to describe all East Asian eyes (reductionist).
- Using it in a non-technical context.
- Assuming it is a modern or polite term.
- Capitalizing 'fold' when not starting a sentence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is considered outdated and potentially offensive. The preferred neutral terms are 'epicanthic fold' or 'epicanthal fold'.
The correct anatomical terms are 'epicanthic fold', 'epicanthal fold', or 'palpebronasal fold'.
No. Epicanthic folds are common in many populations across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Arctic, the Americas, and also occur in some individuals of other populations, including some European and African groups.
While an epicanthic fold can be a feature of Down syndrome (and other genetic conditions), its presence alone is not diagnostic. It is a normal variant in many healthy individuals worldwide.
A distinctive skin fold of the upper eyelid, extending from the nose to the inner part of the eyebrow, covering the inner corner (canthus) of the eye.
Mongolian fold is usually technical/anthropological/medical; potentially offensive in casual use in register.
Mongolian fold: in British English it is pronounced /mɒŋˈɡəʊ.li.ən fəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɑːŋˈɡoʊ.li.ən foʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a historical map of the Mongol Empire stretching across Asia; the fold 'covers' the inner eye like the empire covered vast lands. (Note: This is for term recall only, not an accurate description.)
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY IS A MAP OF ORIGIN (outdated and problematic). The term conceptually maps a geographical/ethnic label onto a physical trait.
Practice
Quiz
Why is the term 'Mongolian fold' problematic in modern usage?