Cretinism: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฉบ
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cretinism

 

[ หˆkrษ›tษชnษชzษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cretinismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคฐเฅ‡เคคเฅ€เคจเคฟเคœเคผเฅเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kretinismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ cretinisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบั€ะตั‚ะธะฝั–ะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kretynizm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฏใƒฌใƒใƒ‹ใ‚บใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท crรฉtinisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cretinismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kretinizm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํฌ๋ ˆํ‹ฐ๋‹ˆ์ฆ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ูƒุฑุงุชูŠู†ูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kretenismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kretenizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ…‹้›ท่’‚ๅฐผไธปไน‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kretinizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kretรญnismi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบั€ะตั‚ะธะฝะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ แƒ”แƒขแƒ˜แƒœแƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kretinizm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,327 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.