Marfan syndrome

[ mahr-fan, mahr-fan ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a hereditary disorder characterized by abnormally elongated bones, especially in the extremities, hypermotility of the joints, and circulatory and eye abnormalities.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Marfan syndrome¹

Named after Antonin Bernard Marfan (1858–1942), French pediatrician, who described it in 1892

Example Sentences

But he did want a romantic partner he’d never had, in part because of a genetic disorder called Marfan syndrome that makes traditional dating tough for him.

From Seattle Times

He has been left with an abnormally curved spine, one of the prominent symptoms of his condition, Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissues.

From BBC

Some inherited disorders, like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, may increase a person’s chances of developing an aortic aneurysm.

From New York Times

Doctors are now exploring whether Mr. Wahl had Marfan syndrome, a risk factor for this type of aneurysm.

From New York Times

When most commissioners walk to the podium on draft night under a rain of boos, in 2014 Silver heard loud cheers, and he earned even more adoration with his surprising announcement the NBA would be ceremonially drafting Isaiah Austin, the former Baylor standout whose pro career stalled because of Marfan syndrome.

From Washington Post