1. Someone suffering from cretinism. 2. loosely, offensive
An idiot.
Derivative: cretinism noun
A chronic condition caused by a congenital deficiency of thyroid hormone resulting in dwarfism and mental retardation.
Derivative: cretinous adj
Etymology: 18c: from Swiss dialect crestin, from Latin christianus Christian, human creature, emphasizing their humanity in spite of their physical and mental deformity.