galactosemia
noun
ga·lac·to·semia
gə-ˌlak-tə-ˈsē-mē-ə 
: a metabolic disorder that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and in which galactose accumulates in the blood due to deficiency of an enzyme catalyzing its conversion to glucose
Examples of galactosemia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Penelope was born with classic galactosemia, a rare genetic metabolic disorder that can cause lifelong health complications.
—
ABC News, 23 July 2023
And compared with the rest of Europe, the Irish have higher rates of cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and galactosemia, a serious metabolic disorder that prevents the breakdown of sugars in dairy, legumes, and organ meats.
—National Geographic, 14 Dec. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
ABC News, 23 July 2023
And compared with the rest of Europe, the Irish have higher rates of cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and galactosemia, a serious metabolic disorder that prevents the breakdown of sugars in dairy, legumes, and organ meats.
—National Geographic, 14 Dec. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Galactosemia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galactosemia. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
galactosemia
noun
ga·lac·tos·emia
variants
or chiefly British galactosaemia
: a metabolic disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait in which galactose accumulates in the blood due to deficiency of an enzyme catalyzing its conversion to glucose
… there might someday be a panel of simultaneous tests for cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria and galactosemia, three of the most important genetic disorders among white Americans.—Harold M. Schmeck, Jr., The New York Times
Harold M. Schmeck, Jr., The New York TimesLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share