blindness

noun

blind·​ness ˈblīn(d)-nəs 

plural -es

1

: want of discernment especially with reference to some particular object or matter : failure to exercise understanding, judgment, or discrimination

2

a

: the quality or state of being blind

specifically : that of having less than ¹/₁₀ of normal vision in the more efficient eye when refractive defects are fully corrected by suitable lenses compare color blindness

b

: psychic inability to perceive visual images although the visual receptors are functional

called also mental blindness, mind blindness, psychic blindness

c

: lack of sensory perception involving all or part of some sense other than sight

taste blindness

smell blindness

3

a

obsolete : concealment

b

: obscurity

4

of plants : failure to produce a growing tip or flowers or to develop vegetative parts compare blind entry 1 sense 5a

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from blind entry 1 + -ness

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Rhymes for blindness

• kindness
• unkindness