Cretinism: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฉบ
cretinism
[ หkrษtษชnษชzษm ]
medical condition
Cretinism is a condition arising from the deficiency of thyroid hormones during prenatal development or in early infancy. It results in stunted physical growth, cognitive deficits, and various physical deformities. In severe cases, it can lead to profound intellectual disability and significant developmental delays. This condition was historically common among populations with limited access to iodine, a crucial element for thyroid hormone production. The introduction of iodine supplements in affected areas has significantly reduced its prevalence.
Synonyms
congenital hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism, myxedema
Examples of usage
- The town implemented an iodine supplementation program to combat cretinism.
- Cretinism can have lifelong effects if not diagnosed and treated early.
- Children born with cretinism often face numerous health challenges.
- Preventative measures have greatly diminished the incidence of cretinism in certain regions.
Translations
Translations of the word "cretinism" in other languages:
๐ต๐น cretinismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฐเฅเคคเฅเคจเคฟเคเคผเฅเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Kretinismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ cretinisme
๐บ๐ฆ ะบัะตัะธะฝัะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ kretynizm
๐ฏ๐ต ใฏใฌใใใบใ
๐ซ๐ท crรฉtinisme
๐ช๐ธ cretinismo
๐น๐ท kretinizm
๐ฐ๐ท ํฌ๋ ํฐ๋์ฆ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงููุฑุงุชูููุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ kretenismus
๐ธ๐ฐ kretenizmus
๐จ๐ณ ๅ ้ท่ๅฐผไธปไน
๐ธ๐ฎ kretinizem
๐ฎ๐ธ kretรญnismi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบัะตัะธะฝะธะทะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแขแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kretinizm
๐ฒ๐ฝ cretinismo
Word origin
The term 'cretinism' originates from the French word 'crรฉtin,' which was used to describe individuals with congenital hypothyroidism, particularly in the Alpine regions. The word 'crรฉtin' itself is derived from a dialectal form of 'Christ,' originally intended as a term of endearment, translating to 'little Christ.' This reflects the historical perception of people suffering from medical conditions as innocent or deserving of compassion. The use of 'cretinism' dates back to the 19th century, when medical professionals began to identify and categorize endocrine disorders. The condition came to be recognized in conjunction with the understanding of iodine's role in human health, particularly in areas where the diet lacked this essential mineral. Over the years, the approach to treatment and public health strategies have evolved, aiming to eliminate the conditions leading to cretinism through education and preventive measures.