albino

Everyday

1. An albino is a person or animal born with little or no colour (pigment) in the skin, hair and eyes, so they are very pale or white. tree →
2. Albino describes such an animal or person, as in an albino tiger. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons albinism is caused by genes, which are passed from parents. Albino animals often have pink or red eyes and are easier for predators to see. In respectful everyday talk about people, we say a person with albinism; people with albinism need to protect their skin and eyes from the sun.

Examples

• The zoo has an albino alligator. tree →
• An albino rabbit has white fur and pink eyes. tree →
• Albino animals are rare in the wild. tree →
• A person with albinism may need strong sun cream. tree →
• The albino peacock looked like it was made of snow. tree →
• Albinism is passed on in genes. tree →

Note

Plural: albinos. Respect: for people, say a person with albinism rather than an albino, which can sound hurtful. Albino is not the same as a white breed of animal like a polar bear, which has dark skin and eyes.