daltonism

[/ˈdɔːltənɪzəm/]
nounmasculinepl: daltonisms
daltonismo
1. A hereditary condition characterized by the inability to distinguish certain colors, particularly red and green; color blindness
John's daltonism makes it difficult for him to distinguish between red and green traffic lights.
O daltonismo de João torna difícil distinguir entre os sinais de trânsito vermelho e verde.
2. The most common form of color blindness, typically affecting the perception of red and green wavelengths
Daltonism affects approximately 8% of males and 0.5% of females worldwide.
O daltonismo afeta aproximadamente 8% dos homens e 0,5% das mulheres em todo o mundo.
Named after English chemist John Dalton, who described the condition in 1794 based on his own color blindness. The term is used universally in both medical and educational contexts in Brazil and Portugal. It's particularly relevant in occupational contexts, as many professions (pilots, electricians, military personnel) require normal color vision. In Brazil, it's important for school and occupational screening.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
color blindnesscolor vision deficiencydichromasiared-green blindness
Antonyms / Antônimos
color visiontrichromatic vision

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
daltonismo
Standard term used in medical and everyday contexts
São Paulo
daltonismo
Common in medical professional discourse
Rio de Janeiro
daltonismo
Standard medical terminology
Portugal
daltonismo
Same term used; occasionally 'cegueira para as cores' in more colloquial speech

Related Words

Daltoncolorblindachromatopsiaprotanopiadeuteranopiachromaticophthalmology

Related Idioms & Phrases

to be colorblind to something (metaphorically indifferent or unable to perceive)
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