deaf-mute
[ def-myoot ]
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
1First recorded in 1830–40; translation of French sourd-muet
usage note For deaf-mute
See dumb.
Other words from deaf-mute
- deaf-muteness, deaf-mutism, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
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
Origin of deaf-mute
1C19: 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Using this word to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided.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
Derived forms of deaf-mute
- deaf-muteness or deaf-mutism, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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