How to Pronounce Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome Pronunciation
kah-BOO-kee MAYK-up SIN-drohm
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
kah
BOO
stress here
kee MAYK
up SIN
drohm
5 syllables
What is Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome?
A rare congenital disorder caused by mutations in KMT2D (previously MLL4) or KDM6A genes that cause characteristic facial features resembling Kabuki theater makeup (elongated palpebral fissures, arched eyebrows, broad nasal tip, large ears), intellectual disability, postnatal growth deficiency, skeletal abnormalities, and unusual dermatoglyphic patterns (fingerprint patterns). Congenital heart defects and feeding difficulties in infancy are common.
Questions About Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome
How do you pronounce 'Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome'?
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Say it like this: kah-BOO-kee MAYK-up SIN-drohm. The stress falls on the second syllable of "Kabuki" (BOO) and the first syllable of "Syndrome" (SIN). Think of it as three separate words: the theater style "Kabuki," the cosmetic term "make-up," and the medical word "syndrome."
Why is this condition named after Kabuki theater?
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The name refers to the distinctive facial features people with this condition often have, which resemble the elaborate makeup patterns used in traditional Japanese Kabuki theater. The striking eye shape, eyebrows, and facial structure reminded doctors of the theatrical makeup style, so they named the condition after it.
What does 'syndrome' mean in this term?
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A syndrome is a group of symptoms or characteristics that appear together as a recognizable pattern. In medical language, when doctors say "Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome," they mean a specific collection of features that tend to occur together in people with this condition.
How many syllables does 'Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome' have?
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The full term has 8 syllables: Ka-BU-ki (3) Make-up (2) Syn-drome (2). If you break it down by word, "Kabuki" has 3 syllables, "make-up" has 2, and "syndrome" has 2.
What is a common mispronunciation of this term?
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A common mistake is stressing the first syllable and saying "KAH-boo-kee" instead of "kah-BOO-kee." Another error is pronouncing "syndrome" as "SIN-drome" when it should be "SIN-drohm" with a short, quick ending sound.
Is there a shorter way to refer to this condition?
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Yes, doctors and medical professionals sometimes call it KMS, which stands for Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome. You would say the letters K-M-S individually, or you could simply say "Kabuki syndrome" in casual conversation.
What does 'Kabuki' actually mean?
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Kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese theater known for elaborate, colorful costumes and distinctive makeup patterns. The performers wear dramatic face paint with bold lines and striking colors, which is why doctors chose this word to describe the facial features associated with this condition.
Can you use 'Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome' in a sentence?
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Sure! Here's an example: "The student gave a presentation on Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome in her genetics class." Or: "I looked up how to pronounce Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome before the doctor's appointment."

