a congenital condition present at birth that is characterized by micrognathia (abnormally small jaw) and a tongue that falls backward into the pharynx (glossoptosis), interfering with breathing and feeding. The condition may occur alone or with a variety of other symptoms, most commonly cleft palate, hearing loss, and language delays. Also called Pierre Robin malformation; Pierre Robin syndrome. [initially reported in 1923 by Pierre Robin (1867–1950), French pediatrician]