deaf muteness
/ˈdɛf ˈmjutnəs/
noun
- The outdated and offensive condition of being unable to hear or speak. Modern terminology avoids this label and instead refers to the specific conditions: deafness (hearing loss) and muteness (inability to speak), which may be unrelated.
- Historically, deaf-muteness was often misunderstood as a sign of low intelligence.
- Today we recognize that deaf-muteness is an inaccurate and harmful label.
- The term 'deaf-muteness' is no longer used in medical or educational settings.