noun, Psychiatry. 1. an inability to speak, due to a physical defect, conscious refusal, or psychogenic inhibition. Origin of mutism.
1 A new study finds girls are developing breasts earlier than ever before; American boys and girls are entering puberty about five years younger than they did in 1920.
Early arrival: premature puberty among girls poses scientific puzzle. In girls, early puberty or precocious puberty is defined as the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as the development of breasts or pubic hair before the age of 8 years.