deaf-mute
[ def-myoot ]
/ ˈdɛfˈmyut /
adjective
unable to hear and speak.
noun
a person who is unable to hear and speak, especially one in whom inability to speak is due to congenital or early deafness.
Origin of deaf-mute
1830–40; translation of French
sourd-muet
usage note for deaf-mute
See
dumb.
OTHER WORDS FROM deaf-mute
deaf-mute·ness, deaf-mut·ism, nounWords nearby deaf-mute
deaf aid,
deaf as a post,
deaf without speech,
deaf-and-dumb,
deaf-blind,
deaf-mute,
deafblind,
deafen,
deafening,
deafferentation,
deafmutism
British Dictionary definitions for deaf-mute
deaf-mute
noun
a person who is unable to hear or speak
See also mute 1 (def. 7), mutism (def. 2b)
adjective
unable to hear or speak
Derived forms of deaf-mute
deaf-muteness or deaf-mutism, nounWord Origin for deaf-mute
C19: translation of French
sourd-muet
usage for deaf-mute
Using this word to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided. The phrase
profoundly deaf is a suitable alternative in many contexts
Medical definitions for deaf-mute
deaf-mute
[ dĕf′myōōt′ ]
n.
A person who can neither hear nor speak. No longer in technical use.
adj.
Unable to speak or hear.