infantilism /infan″tiliz′əm/ [L, infans, unable to speak] , 1. a condition in which various anatomical, physiological, and psychological characteristics of childhood persist in the adult. It is characterized by cognitive impairment, underdeveloped sexual organs, and usually small stature. Compare progeria. 2. a condition, usually of psychological rather than organic origin, characterized by speech and voice patterns in an older child or adult that are typical of very young children.
