Definition

A rare genetic condition that causes children to age quickly, leading to features typical of old age and often resulting in early death.

Example

Children with progeria may show signs of aging, such as hair loss and wrinkled skin, at a very young age.

Conversation

Have you heard about progeria?

Yeah, it's that rare condition where kids age really fast, right?

Exactly! It's so sad that they don’t live long lives.

I know, it's heartbreaking to think about.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Progeria is formed from "pro-" (meaning before) and "geras" (meaning old age in Greek). The word refers to a condition characterized by accelerated aging, as if the individual is aging before their time.

Memory Tip

Think of 'before' ('pro-') and 'old age' ('geras') to remember that progeria describes a condition where someone ages prematurely.

Visually Confused Words