tourette syndrome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “tourette syndrome” mean?
A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
Often associated with conditions like ADHD or OCD, and involves social, educational, and psychological impacts, including stigma and the need for accommodations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'Tourette's syndrome' is slightly more common, while American English favors 'Tourette syndrome'; both are understood interchangeably.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects, carrying medical and sometimes social connotations related to disability and awareness.
Frequency
Equally low in general usage but frequent in specialized medical, psychological, and educational literature.
Grammar
How to Use “tourette syndrome” in a Sentence
NP have Tourette syndromeNP be diagnosed with Tourette syndromeNP manage Tourette syndromeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tourette syndrome” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The study focused on tourettic symptoms in adolescents.
American English
- She has tourettic behaviors that are well-managed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in discussions about workplace accommodations or disability rights.
Academic
Common in medical, psychological, and educational research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Used in personal narratives, awareness campaigns, or media reports; often simplified for general understanding.
Technical
Standard terminology in clinical diagnostics, neurology, and treatment protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tourette syndrome”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tourette syndrome”
- Mispronouncing as 'tour-et' instead of 'tuh-ret'.
- Using it colloquially to describe any erratic behavior, which is inaccurate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a neurological disorder with genetic and environmental factors, not contagious.
There is no cure, but symptoms can often be managed with treatments like medication and therapy.
It usually begins in childhood, most commonly between the ages of 2 and 15.
No, coprolalia (involuntary swearing) affects only a small minority of individuals with Tourette syndrome.
A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
Tourette syndrome is usually technical/formal in register.
Tourette syndrome: in British English it is pronounced /tʊˈrɛt ˈsɪn.drəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /təˈrɛt ˈsɪn.droʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'Tourette' has two 't's' like 'tics' and 'twitches', which are key symptoms.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often described as 'a storm of tics' or 'uncontrollable impulses', emphasizing the involuntary nature.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of Tourette syndrome?