The word "Cretism" is spelled with a "t" instead of the more common "d" in the word "cretinism." The proper IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈkriːtɪzəm/. The reason behind its unique spelling is because it is based on the name of the Greek island of Crete, where iodine deficiency resulting in cretinism was first extensively documented. The term "Cretism" is often used to refer to the same condition caused by iodine deficiency, but particular to the endemicity of the condition in Crete.
Cretism is a term that can be defined in two different contexts. In linguistics, it refers to a type of metrical substitution in poetry and rhythm. It involves replacing a long syllable with a short one, which disrupts the regularity of the meter or poetic rhythm. This type of poetic substitution is commonly seen in ancient Greek and Latin poetry. Cretism is also referred to as a "cretic substitution" or the "cretic foot."
Alternatively, Cretism can also be understood as a medical term related to the health condition known as Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is a disorder caused by excessive levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cretism, in this context, specifically refers to the physical and cognitive symptoms associated with the syndrome, particularly when it occurs in children.
The symptoms of cretism in children with Cushing's syndrome may include growth retardation, delayed puberty, obesity, and impaired cognitive function. These symptoms are a result of the excessive cortisol affecting various bodily systems. Treatment for cretism typically involves addressing the underlying cause of excess cortisol production, and may include surgery, medication, or other interventions.
In summary, cretism is a term that has distinct definitions in both linguistic and medical contexts.
The word "Cretism" is derived from the name of the Greek island of Crete. It specifically refers to a kind of idiosyncratic speech or language, commonly associated with the Cretan people. In ancient Greek, the adjective "Cretan" was "Kritikos", meaning "from Crete". Over time, this adjective gave rise to the term "Cretism", which now describes a distinctive way of speaking characterized by peculiarities or errors. It is worth noting that the term "Cretism" is mainly used within the field of linguistics.