deaf-mute

[ def-myoot ]
/ ˈdɛfˈmyut /
Offensive.

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, noun

British Dictionary definitions for deafmutism

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, noun

Word 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Using this word to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided.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 deafmutism (1 of 2)

deafmutism
[ dĕfmyōōtĭz′əm ]

n.

Inability to hear and speak. No longer in technical use.

Medical definitions for deafmutism (2 of 2)

deaf-mute
[ dĕfmyōōt′ ]

n.

A person who can neither hear nor speak. No longer in technical use.

adj.

Unable to speak or hear.