albinism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a group of inherited conditions involving little or no production of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes

   The clinic provides specialist eye care for children with albinism.

2. 2
   noun

   a corresponding lack of normal pigmentation in an animal or plant

   The unusual white feathers were caused by albinism rather than by seasonal coloring.

Formed from albino + -ism. Albino came through Portuguese or Spanish from Latin albus ("white"). The medical term names inherited conditions in which production of melanin, the principal dark pigment in humans and many animals, is reduced or absent.

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