progeria /prōjir″ē·ə/ [Gk, pro + geras, old age] , an abnormal congenital condition characterized by premature aging, appearance in childhood of gray hair and wrinkled skin, small stature, absence of pubic and facial hair, and posture and habitus of an aged person. Death usually occurs before 20 years of age. Also called Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome. Compare infantilism.
