galactosemia

noun

ga·​lac·​to·​semia gə-ˌlak-tə-ˈsē-mē-ə How to pronounce galactosemia (audio)
: a metabolic disorder that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and in which galactose accumulates in the blood due to deficiency of an enzyme catalyzing its conversion to glucose
galactosemic adjective

Examples of galactosemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Penelope was born with classic galactosemia, a rare genetic metabolic disorder that can cause lifelong health complications. ABC News, 23 July 2023 And compared with the rest of Europe, the Irish have higher rates of cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and galactosemia, a serious metabolic disorder that prevents the breakdown of sugars in dairy, legumes, and organ meats. National Geographic, 14 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

galactose + -emia (probably after German Galactosämie)

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of galactosemia was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near galactosemia

Cite this Entry

“Galactosemia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galactosemia. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

galactosemia

noun
ga·​lac·​tos·​emia
variants or chiefly British galactosaemia
: a metabolic disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait in which galactose accumulates in the blood due to deficiency of an enzyme catalyzing its conversion to glucose
… there might someday be a panel of simultaneous tests for cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria and galactosemia, three of the most important genetic disorders among white Americans.Harold M. Schmeck, Jr., The New York Times
galactosemic adjective
or chiefly British galactosaemic
galactosemic infants

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