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Glite Dictionary
deaf-mutism

deaf-mutism

9.9
A person born deaf who cannot speak because they did not hear language
  • noun
  • /dɛfˈmjuːtɪzəm/
  • Archaic
translation icon : sordomudez
  • Early intervention is crucial for those affected by deaf-mutism to develop effective communication skills.

Examples

  • Many children with deaf-mutism require special education.

  • Historically, education for children with deaf-mutism focused on alternative communication methods.

  • Doctors diagnosed the child with deaf-mutism at an early age.

  • She was diagnosed with deaf-mutism at a young age.

  • Doctors diagnosed the child with deaf-mutism at an early age.

  • Early intervention is crucial for those affected by deaf-mutism to develop effective communication skills.

  • Many children with deaf-mutism require special education.

Synonyms

deaf-muteness
vsdeaf-mutism
  • Archaic
9.9

A condition in which a person is born unable to hear and so cannot speak

has identical meaning but uses an alternative word form

Surface Forms

deaf-mutism singular
deaf-mutisms plural

Morphology

deaf-mutism = deaf + mutism (transparent) = deaf + mutism

Clear compound of 'deaf' + 'mutism' indicating the combined condition of being deaf and mute.

Etymology

Deaf-mutism comes from two parts: deaf, which means 'unable to hear', and mutism, from the Latin mutus meaning 'silent' and seen in the common word mute. So deaf-mutism literally describes someone who is both deaf and unable to speak, which is why the word names that condition.