Definition

Noun: A vertical fold of skin covering the inner corner (canthus) of the eye. This anatomical feature is typical in many East Asian, Central Asian, Southeast Asian, Native American, and some African populations. It can also be a characteristic associated with certain genetic conditions.

Usage

The term is used in medical, anthropological, and descriptive contexts to refer to the specific skin fold at the inner eye. * The anthropologist noted the presence of an epicanthus in the population study. * In some infants, a prominent epicanthus can give the appearance of crossed eyes (strabismus).

Advanced Usage

• Epicanthal Fold: This is a more common clinical and descriptive term synonymous with "epicanthus."
  • The pediatrician checked for the presence of an epicanthal fold during the newborn examination.

Variants and Related Words

• Epicanthal (adjective): Pertaining to the epicanthus.
  • The epicanthal fold was a distinctive facial feature.
• Epicanthic (adjective): Alternative adjective form with the same meaning as "epicanthal."

Synonyms

• Epicanthal fold (noun)
• Mongolian fold (noun - this term is now considered dated and anthropologically imprecise; "epicanthal fold" is preferred in modern contexts).

Different Meanings

The word "epicanthus" has a single, specific anatomical meaning and is not used idiomatically or in phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. a vertical fold of skin over the nasal canthus; normal for Mongolian peoples; sometimes occurs in Down's syndrome