cretinism

(-iz′əm)

noun

a congenital deficiency of thyroid secretion with resulting deformity and mental deficiency

Origin: Fr crétinisme: see cretin

See cretinism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
A congenital condition caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone during prenatal development and characterized in childhood by dwarfed stature, mental retardation, dystrophy of the bones, and a low basal metabolism. Also called congenital myxedema.

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