Cretinism

(krē'tin-izm.) [Fr. crétinisme.] (Med.) A peculiar epidemic disease in some parts of Switzerland, and in some other mountain regions. It makes a close approach to rickets in its general symptoms, but is distinguished by the tendency to that peculiar enlargement of the thyroid gland called by the French goitre, and by the mental imbecility which accompanies it. The individuals affected with this disease are called cretins. [s. 243]