Cretinism - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Cretinism is a medical condition caused by severe thyroid hormone deficiency during early development, leading to stunted growth and intellectual disability. It is now commonly referred to as congenital hypothyroidism.
Definition:
A condition of stunted physical and mental growth due to congenital thyroid deficiency.
Synonyms:
hypothyroidism, myxedema, goiter
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
intelligence, normalcy
Common Collocations:
congenital cretinism, endemic cretinism, severe cretinism
Derivatives:
cretinous, cretinoid
Usage Tips:
Use "cretinism" to describe a medical condition caused by thyroid deficiency, not as an insult.
Common Phrases:
suffer from cretinism, effects of cretinism, prevent cretinism
Etymology:
From French "crétinisme," derived from "crétin" (a person with stunted growth), ultimately from Latin "Christianus."
Examples:
- 1. The doctor diagnosed the child with cretinism due to thyroid dysfunction.
- 2. Cretinism can lead to developmental delays if untreated early.
- 3. Iodine deficiency is a common cause of endemic cretinism in some regions.
- 4. Early treatment can mitigate the effects of cretinism significantly.