How to Pronounce Costello Syndrome
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Costello Syndrome Pronunciation
kos-TEL-oh SIN-drohm
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
kos
TEL
stress here
oh SIN
drohm
4 syllables
What is Costello Syndrome?
A rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the HRAS gene, belonging to the RASopathy group of syndromes, characterized by short stature, loose skin (particularly of the hands and feet) with deep palmar and plantar creases, distinctive facial features, intellectual disability, and an increased risk of certain tumors (especially rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma). Heart defects and cardiomyopathy are common.
Questions About Costello Syndrome
How do you say 'Costello Syndrome'?
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Say it like this: kos-TEL-oh SIN-drohm. The stress falls on the second syllable of the first word (TEL), so you emphasize that part when you speak. The second word sounds like "SIN-drohm," with the stress on the first syllable.
What is the correct way to break 'Costello Syndrome' into syllables?
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Break it into four syllables total: cos-TEL-lo SIN-drohm. The first word has three syllables (cos-TEL-lo) and the second word has two (SIN-drohm). Saying each syllable separately can help you pronounce the whole term correctly.
What is the most common mispronunciation of 'Costello Syndrome'?
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Many people stress the first syllable instead of the second, saying COS-tell-oh instead of kos-TEL-oh. Remember: the emphasis goes on TEL, not COS. This is the key to pronouncing it like medical professionals do.
Where does the word 'Costello' come from in this medical term?
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Costello Syndrome is named after Helen Costello, a physician who first described this rare genetic condition in the medical literature. Using a doctor's name to label a condition is common practice in medicine—it honors the person who identified or studied it.
What does the word 'syndrome' mean in medical language?
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Syndrome (SIN-drohm) is a medical term that means a group of signs or features that commonly occur together. It describes a pattern or collection of characteristics, but doesn't necessarily tell you the cause—it just names what goes together.
Is there a short abbreviation for 'Costello Syndrome'?
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Yes, it is sometimes shortened to CS in medical writing and conversations. However, because CS can stand for other medical terms too, doctors usually write out the full name to avoid confusion.
What other medical words share the root 'syndrome'?
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Many other medical conditions use the word 'syndrome,' such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Marfan syndrome. Each one follows the same pattern: a specific name or descriptor, followed by the word 'syndrome' to show it's a collection of related features.
How would you use 'Costello Syndrome' in a sentence?
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Here's an example: "The genetic counselor explained that Costello Syndrome is caused by a mutation in a specific gene." You might also hear: "Patients with Costello Syndrome have several distinctive physical features."