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.
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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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for mental retardation
mental retardation
noun
psychiatry the condition of having a low intelligence quotient (below 70)
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
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
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.