Albinism: meaning, definitions and examples

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albinism

[ˈalbɪˌnɪzəm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

genetic condition

Albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin in the body, resulting in pale skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism are often sensitive to sunlight and may have vision problems due to the lack of pigment in their retinas.

Synonyms

hypomelanosis, hypopigmentation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
albinism	Albinism is best used in medical or scientific contexts to describe a genetic condition where there is a total or partial lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. This term is also used when talking about the social and cultural aspects of living with the condition. People with albinism often need to be careful in the sun because their skin burns easily. Albinism is a genetic condition that can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds.
hypopigmentation	Hypopigmentation is often used in clinical or dermatological settings to describe areas of the skin where there is less pigment than normal. This term is useful when referring to a symptom rather than a specific disease. Hypopigmentation can appear after an injury or inflammation of the skin. During the examination, the dermatologist noted several patches of hypopigmentation on the patient's legs.
hypomelanosis	Hypomelanosis is a more technical term used in dermatology or medical contexts to describe a reduced amount of melanin in the skin. It's typically used when discussing specific skin conditions or medical diagnoses. The doctor diagnosed the patient with hypomelanosis after observing the light patches on her skin. Hypomelanosis can result from various factors, including genetic mutations and inflammatory skin diseases.

Word

Description / Examples

albinism

Albinism is best used in medical or scientific contexts to describe a genetic condition where there is a total or partial lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. This term is also used when talking about the social and cultural aspects of living with the condition.

People with albinism often need to be careful in the sun because their skin burns easily.
Albinism is a genetic condition that can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds.

hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation is often used in clinical or dermatological settings to describe areas of the skin where there is less pigment than normal. This term is useful when referring to a symptom rather than a specific disease.

Hypopigmentation can appear after an injury or inflammation of the skin.
During the examination, the dermatologist noted several patches of hypopigmentation on the patient's legs.

hypomelanosis

Hypomelanosis is a more technical term used in dermatology or medical contexts to describe a reduced amount of melanin in the skin. It's typically used when discussing specific skin conditions or medical diagnoses.

The doctor diagnosed the patient with hypomelanosis after observing the light patches on her skin.
Hypomelanosis can result from various factors, including genetic mutations and inflammatory skin diseases.

Examples of usage

People with albinism need to take extra precautions when going out in the sun.
His albinism caused him to have very fair skin and white hair.
She struggled with her vision due to her albinism.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

lack of pigment

Albinism is a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, causing a person to have very pale features. This condition is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the production of melanin in the body.

Synonyms

absence of melanin, lack of pigmentation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
albinism	Use this term when discussing the genetic condition that results in a reduction or total absence of melanin production in the body. Albinism affects many species, including humans, animals, and plants People with albinism often require special skin and eye care
lack of pigmentation	This term is often used in layman's terms to describe areas of the skin, hair, or eyes that do not have the typical color due to reduced or absent melanin. It is less technical and can apply to temporary conditions as well. The lack of pigmentation in her birthmark made it stand out against her otherwise tan skin Certain medical conditions can lead to a lack of pigmentation in patches of skin
absence of melanin	This phrase is typically used in scientific or medical contexts to specifically describe the lack of melanin without necessarily referring to the broader implications of the genetic condition. The absence of melanin in the skin cells was confirmed through laboratory tests The patient's condition was characterized by an absence of melanin in their hair and eyes

Word

Description / Examples

albinism

Use this term when discussing the genetic condition that results in a reduction or total absence of melanin production in the body.

Albinism affects many species, including humans, animals, and plants
People with albinism often require special skin and eye care

lack of pigmentation

This term is often used in layman's terms to describe areas of the skin, hair, or eyes that do not have the typical color due to reduced or absent melanin. It is less technical and can apply to temporary conditions as well.

The lack of pigmentation in her birthmark made it stand out against her otherwise tan skin
Certain medical conditions can lead to a lack of pigmentation in patches of skin

absence of melanin

This phrase is typically used in scientific or medical contexts to specifically describe the lack of melanin without necessarily referring to the broader implications of the genetic condition.

The absence of melanin in the skin cells was confirmed through laboratory tests
The patient's condition was characterized by an absence of melanin in their hair and eyes

Examples of usage

The albino animals at the zoo have albinism.
Her albinism made her stand out in a crowd.
Albinism is a rare condition that affects a small percentage of the population.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'albus,' meaning 'white,' emphasizing the light color associated with this condition.
Albinism was first described in medical literature in the 19th century, yet understanding has continued to evolve over time.

Genetics

Albinism occurs due to mutations in genes that are essential for producing melanin, the pigment responsible for color.
It can be inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a person needs to receive two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent).

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, individuals with albinism may be viewed through a lens of myth and superstition, leading to both admiration and stigma.
Certain African countries have alarming reports of violence and discrimination against those with albinism, based on harmful beliefs about their bodies.

Science

Research shows that individuals with albinism have a higher risk of skin cancer due to less protection from UV radiation.
In the animal kingdom, albinism can be found in various species, and it often affects their survival in nature due to lack of camouflage.

Psychology

Studies suggest that individuals with albinism may experience unique psychological challenges, such as lower self-esteem or social anxiety due to their appearance.
Social acceptance plays a key role in the mental health of those with albinism, highlighting the importance of awareness and education.

Translations

Translations of the word "albinism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 albinismo

🇮🇳 रोहिणत्व (rohinatva)

🇩🇪 Albinismus

🇮🇩 albinisme

🇺🇦 альбінізм

🇵🇱 albinizm

🇯🇵 アルビニズム (arubinizumu)

🇫🇷 albinisme

🇪🇸 albinismo

🇹🇷 albinizm

🇰🇷 백색증 (baegsaekjeung)

🇸🇦 المهق (al-mahaq)

🇨🇿 albinismus

🇸🇰 albinizmus

🇨🇳 白化病 (báihuàbìng)

🇸🇮 albinizem

🇮🇸 albinismi

🇰🇿 альбинизм

🇬🇪 ალბინიზმი (albinizmi)

🇦🇿 albinizm

🇲🇽 albinismo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,805 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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32802 triangulated
32803 obi
32804 aspirating
32805 albinism
32806 rower
32807 kilter
32808 metrically
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