noun

albinism

AL-buh-niz-uhm

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Albinism (noun) means a condition present from birth in which the body produces little or no pigment, leaving the skin, eyes and hair or feathers pale, or in rarer cases affecting only the eyes. Example: “Albinism gives the animal its pale coat and pink eyes.”

noun

A condition present from birth in which the body produces little or no pigment, leaving the skin, eyes and hair or feathers pale, or in rarer cases affecting only the eyes.

"Albinism gives the animal its pale coat and pink eyes."

"The child's albinism meant she had to take extra care in the sun."

"Researchers studied how albinism affects vision in the species."

How to use albinism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAlbinism is a condition someone is born with that leaves the skin, eyes and hair with little or no colour pigment.

When to use it

It is a neutral medical and biological term, appropriate in both clinical and everyday writing.

Memory tip

Say 'a person with albinism' rather than calling someone 'an albino', which many people with the condition find reduces them to it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a person with albinism live with albinism albinism affects diagnosed with albinism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ gives the animal its pale coat and pink eyes.

Etymology

Albinism is built from the word albino together with the suffix -ism, which forms a noun naming a condition or state.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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albinoism

Antonyms

melanism

Rhymes for albinism

feminism antifeminism

See all rhymes for albinism →

Frequently asked questions

What causes albinism?

It is a congenital condition in which the body produces little or no melanin, the pigment that colours skin, eyes and hair or feathers.

Is albinism a disease?

It is a genetic condition present from birth rather than an illness that develops or spreads.

Can animals have albinism?

Yes, albinism occurs across many species, not only in humans.

What is the meaning of albinism?

"albinism" (noun) means a condition present from birth in which the body produces little or no pigment, leaving the skin, eyes and hair or feathers pale, or in rarer cases affecting only the eyes.