mental retardation
noun
Usually Offensive.
a developmental disorder characterized in varying degrees by a subnormal ability to learn, a substantially low IQ, and impaired social adjustment.
Origin of mental retardation
First recorded in 1900–15
usage note for mental retardation
See
retarded.
Words nearby mental retardation
mental impairment,
mental lexicon,
mental nerve,
mental point,
mental reservation,
mental retardation,
mental scotoma,
mental spine,
mental symphysis,
mental telepathy,
mentalese
British Dictionary definitions for mental retardation
mental retardation
noun
psychiatry
the condition of having a low intelligence quotient (below 70)
Medical definitions for mental retardation
mental retardation
n.
Subnormal intellectual development or functioning that is the result of congenital causes, brain injury, or disease and is characterized by any of various deficiencies, ranging from impaired learning ability to social and vocational inadequacy.
mental deficiency
Scientific definitions for mental retardation
mental retardation
Below-average intellectual ability resulting from a genetic defect, brain injury, or disease, and usually present from birth or early infancy.