deaf-blind

the compound adjective 'deaf-blind' is a modern english formation that combines two ancient sensory descriptors of germanic origin. 'deaf' derives from proto-germanic daubaz, related to a sense of being dull or obtuse, while 'blind' comes from proto-germanic blindaz, with an original sense of clouded or obscure. these two old english words, each describing a profound lack of a primary sense, were joined in the 19th century to create a specific clinical and descriptive term. the logic of the compound is transparently additive, directly and efficiently denoting the co-occurrence of both sensory impairments.

Structure: deaf (unable to hear) + blind (unable to see) 'deaf' is from old english 'dēaf', meaning lacking the sense of hearing. 'blind' is from old english 'blind', meaning lacking the sense of sight. both are adjectives.