cretinism
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈkrɛtɪnɪzəm/
- Specialized
- Advanced scrofula is sometimes characterized by cretinism.
Examples
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How many idiots voted for Mitt Romney? Answer to this important question: Philosophy of Imbecility and Cretinism
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The left does have a few stupid ideas, but nowhere near the level of outright cretinism on the right.
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Seafood, in general, is high in iodine, which is why cretinism has historically been most prevalent in inland mountain regions.
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Untreated cretinism often leads to growth delays and learning disabilities in children.
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A lack of iodine during pregnancy can result in cretinism, affecting a child's physical and mental development.
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The severity of cretinism varies widely depending on the level of iodine deficiency during pregnancy.
Surface Forms
Morphology
cretinism = cretin (transparent) = cretin + ism
Formed by straightforward suffixation from the noun 'cretin' to denote the medical condition or state associated with that noun.
Etymology
Cretinism comes from a local French word crétin, which goes back to the Latin Christianus 'Christian' because people in the Alps used this kind name for those who were sick. That's why cretinism became the medical name for the condition that causes stunted growth and slower mental development.