cretinism

[ kreet-n-iz-uhmor, especially British, kret- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. (no longer in technical use) a congenital disease due to absence or deficiency of normal thyroid secretion, characterized by physical deformity, dwarfism, and intellectual disability, and often by goiter: This condition is now diagnosed as congenital hypothyroidism or congenital iodine deficiency.

cretinism

/ ˈkrɛtɪˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. old-fashioned.
   a condition arising from a deficiency of thyroid hormone, present from birth, characterized by dwarfism and mental retardation See also myxoedema

Word History and Origins

Origin of cretinism¹

First recorded in 1795–1800; from French crétinisme; cretin, -ism

Example Sentences

Certainly, and you can think yourself happy, until gradually a contented cretinism steals over you, body and mind.

From Project Gutenberg

Such children, in their mental hebetude and physical degeneracy, suggest a degree of cretinism.

From Project Gutenberg

The Swiss have similar feelings as to those of their families whom cretinism has reduced to idiocy.

From Project Gutenberg

Not being aware of this act of cretinism, she went at him on the marriage business with a hopeful spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

The peculiar disease called cretinism, as well as goitre, has been attributed to a predominance of certain chemicals in the soil.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• insanity
• lunacy
• madness