Chondrodystrophy

/ˌkɒndrəˈdɪstrəfi/ noun

Definition

A condition where cartilage fails to develop or grow normally, resulting in shortened bones and abnormal skeletal development.

Etymology

From Greek 'chondros' (cartilage) + 'dys-' (bad) + 'trophe' (nourishment/growth), a 19th-century medical coinage describing faulty cartilage development.

Kelly Says

Scientists discovered that achondroplastic dwarfism happens because mutated genes make cells stop responding to growth hormones—imagine a 'stop sign' that's stuck on in your cartilage cells.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.