How to Pronounce Cri du Chat Syndrome
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Cri du Chat Syndrome Pronunciation
KREE doo SHAH SIN-drohm
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
KREE doo SHAH SIN
drohm
2 syllables
What is Cri du Chat Syndrome?
A rare chromosomal condition caused by deletion of part of chromosome 5, named for the characteristic high-pitched, cat-like cry of affected infants (French for "cry of the cat") caused by problems with the larynx and nervous system. It is associated with intellectual disability, delayed development, small head size, widely spaced eyes, and behavioral issues.
Questions About Cri du Chat Syndrome
How do you pronounce Cri du Chat Syndrome?
+
Cri du Chat Syndrome is pronounced KREE doo SHAH SIN-drohm. The first part "Cri du Chat" comes from French and sounds like you're saying "KREE" (rhymes with "free"), then "doo" (like the word "do"), then "SHAH" (like the chess piece). The second part "Syndrome" sounds like SIN-drohm, with the stress on the first syllable.
Which syllable gets the stress in Cri du Chat Syndrome?
+
The stress falls on the first syllable of the French part: KREE du SHAH. A common mistake is stressing the wrong part—people sometimes say "cri du CHAT" with emphasis on "Chat," but the correct way emphasizes "KREE." Think of it like saying "FREE" loudly, then adding "doo SHAH" more softly after.
What does 'Cri du Chat' mean?
+
Cri du Chat is a French phrase that translates to "cry of the cat" in English. "Cri" means "cry," "du" means "of the," and "Chat" means "cat." The term was chosen because of a distinctive sound associated with this condition, which reminded doctors of a cat's cry.
How do you break Cri du Chat Syndrome into syllables?
+
Cri du Chat Syndrome breaks down like this: Cri (1 syllable) / du (1 syllable) / Chat (1 syllable) / Syn-drome (2 syllables). So the whole phrase has 6 syllables total: KREE-doo-SHAH-SIN-drohm.
What does 'Syndrome' mean in this term?
+
Syndrome is a medical word that means a group of symptoms or characteristics that happen together and form a recognizable pattern. In medical terminology, it comes from Greek roots meaning "running together." So Cri du Chat Syndrome means a recognizable condition with multiple features that tend to occur together.
What's a simpler way to say Cri du Chat Syndrome?
+
You can simply call it Cri du Chat (pronounced KREE doo SHAH) when speaking informally, since most people understand you're referring to the syndrome. Some medical professionals shorten it to 5p deletion or 5p minus, referring to the chromosome involved, though the full name Cri du Chat Syndrome is most commonly used.
What are common mispronunciations of this term?
+
Common mistakes include saying "cry doo chat" (using the English word "cry" instead of the French pronunciation), stressing the wrong syllable like "cri du CHAT" instead of "KREE doo SHAH," or mispronouncing "SHAH" as "chatt." Remember: it's always KREE (like "free"), and "SHAH" rhymes with "spa," not "chat."
Is Cri du Chat Syndrome the same as 5p deletion?
+
Cri du Chat Syndrome and 5p deletion refer to the same condition, but 5p deletion is the scientific name that describes what's happening genetically, while Cri du Chat is the clinical name based on the distinctive characteristic sound. You'll hear both terms used in medical settings, but they mean the same thing.
How would you use this term in a sentence?
+
Here's an example: "The medical student learned how to pronounce Cri du Chat Syndrome during her genetics class." Another example: "Understanding the French pronunciation of Cri du Chat Syndrome helps healthcare workers communicate clearly about this rare condition."