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mental retardation
noun
Note: The term intellectual disability is now preferred over mental retardation in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use. The term mental retardation is increasingly considered offensive, though it was the dominant term into the second decade of the current century.
Examples of mental retardation in a Sentence
Word History
1901, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near mental retardation
Cite this Entry
“Mental retardation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mental%20retardation. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
mental retardation
nounNote: The term intellectual disability is now preferred over mental retardation in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts, as well as in general use. The term mental retardation is increasingly considered offensive, though it was the dominant term into the second decade of the current century.
More from Merriam-Webster on mental retardation
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mental retardation
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mental retardation
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