Kallikak

noun

Kal·​li·​kak
ˈkaləˌkak
plural -s
: a stupid person
rubber masks by means of which an ordinary citizen can transform himself into demon, witch … Kallikak, bumpkinBernard Wolfe
compare jukes

Word History

Etymology

Kallikak, fictitious name of a family having one branch consisting mainly of intelligent and successful persons and another branch containing a large proportion of mentally deficient and immoral persons that was studied by H. H. Goddard †1957 American psychologist, from Greek kalli- calli- + kak- cac-

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Dictionary Entries Near Kallikak

Cite this Entry

“Kallikak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Kallikak. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

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