A genetic disorder that causes abnormal bone growth, resulting in dwarfism and distinctive skeletal features.
From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'chondros' (cartilage) + 'plasis' (formation), medical term from 19th-century physicians describing failed cartilage development.
Achondroplasia is the most common genetic form of dwarfism, and fascinatingly, about 80% of cases are spontaneous mutations—it shows how one tiny change in a growth-regulating gene can reshape an entire skeleton!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.