trisomy 13
LowTechnical/Medical
Definition
Meaning
A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 13.
Trisomy 13, also known as Patau syndrome, is a severe chromosomal condition associated with intellectual disability, physical abnormalities, and often early infancy death.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically refers to trisomy of chromosome 13; distinct from other trisomies such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; both refer to the same medical condition.
Connotations
Medical and clinical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in everyday language but standard in medical and genetic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
trisomy 13 in neonatesdiagnosis of trisomy 13Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable
Academic
Common in medical journals and genetic studies
Everyday
Rarely used outside healthcare discussions
Technical
Standard term in genetics, pediatrics, and prenatal care
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Trisomy 13 is a serious health condition.
- Doctors check for trisomy 13 in early pregnancy scans.
- Trisomy 13, or Patau syndrome, results from an extra chromosome 13.
- The etiology of trisomy 13 involves non-disjunction during meiosis, leading to phenotypic anomalies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Recall 'tri' for three copies of chromosome 13.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chromosomal misprint in the genetic code
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation confusion with 'трисомия 13'; ensure usage is in medical contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'trisomy13' without space
- Confusing with trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) or trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
Practice
Quiz
Which syndrome is synonymous with trisomy 13?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Trisomy 13 is a chromosomal disorder where there are three copies of chromosome 13 instead of the usual two.
It is typically diagnosed through prenatal testing such as amniocentesis or after birth via genetic analysis.
Most infants with trisomy 13 have a short lifespan, with many not surviving beyond the first year due to severe health issues.
It is usually not inherited but occurs randomly due to errors in cell division; however, in rare cases, it can be passed down through balanced translocations.