The process of developing cretinism or becoming affected by cretinism; the pathological transformation resulting from thyroid hormone deficiency.
From cretinize (to cause cretinism) plus -ation, indicating a process. Follows medical terminology patterns like calcification and ossification.
The process of cretinization is gradual—it typically begins in the womb if the mother lacks iodine, which is why adding iodine to salt before pregnancy is such an important public health intervention.
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