cri-du-chat syndrome (crē-d&oomacr;-shä')
n.
A chromosomal disorder marked by microcephaly, epicanthal folds, micrognathia, strabismus, mental and physical retardation, and a characteristic catlike whine. Also called cat-cry syndrome, Lejeune syndrome.
cri-du-chat syndrome
rare congenital disorder caused by partial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5, characterized by mental retardation, mild facial abnormalities, anomalies of dermal ridge patterns (fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints), heart malformations, a failure to thrive, and a high-pitched, wailing cry likened to that of a cat (the name is French for "cat cry").
Learn more about cri-du-chat syndrome with a free trial on Britannica.com.