IPA: /ˌeɪ.kənˈdroʊ.pleɪ.ʒə/
KK: /əˌkɒn.drəˈpleɪ.ʒə/
A genetic condition that affects the growth of bones, leading to shorter limbs and a normal-sized torso, often resulting in dwarfism.
Achondroplasia is the most common form of dwarfism, affecting both physical appearance and growth.
Achondroplasia is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "chondro" (from Greek "chondros", meaning cartilage) and "plasia" (from Greek "plasis", meaning formation or development). The term describes a condition characterized by the absence of normal cartilage formation, leading to dwarfism.
Think of 'without' ('a-') normal 'cartilage' ('chondro') 'formation' ('plasia') — that's why achondroplasia refers to a condition where normal cartilage development is absent.