1. unable to speak; mute
Usage: archaic or literary; now often considered offensive when referring to people; 'deaf and dumb' is outdated phrasing

1. a silent or mute person
Usage: archaic; offensive when used of people with speech disabilities

Examples

• In older texts, 'dum' was used to describe someone who could not speak.
• The phrase 'dum waiter' refers to a small elevator for moving dishes between floors.
• Modern usage of 'dum' as an adjective is rare in standard English.
• Historical documents sometimes contain the term 'dum' in medical or descriptive contexts.
• The word has largely been replaced by more respectful terminology like 'mute' or 'non-speaking'.