[syn: deaf-and-dumb, deaf-mute]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Deaf-mute \Deaf"-mute`\, n.
A person who is deaf and dumb; one who, through deprivation
or defect of hearing, has either failed the acquire the power
of speech, or has lost it. [See Illust. of Dactylology.]
[1913 Webster]
Deaf-mutes are still so called, even when, by
artificial methods, they have been taught to speak
imperfectly.
[1913 Webster] deaf-muteness
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
deaf-mute
adj 1: lacking the sense of hearing and the ability to speak
[syn: deaf-and-dumb, deaf-mute]
n 1: a deaf person who is unable to speak [syn: mute, deaf-
mute, deaf-and-dumb person]