n. a condition that resembles hypoparathyroidism (deficiency of parathyroid hormone) but fails to respond to parathyroid hormone treatment. Patients have a round face and thick-set figure and seem to have impaired senses of smell and taste. In most cases, they have mild to moderate intellectual disability. The disease is believed to be due to a genetic defect that blocks normal response to parathyroid hormone by receptor tissues. See also Albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy.