aphasia
Meaning of aphasia: An acquired impairment in producing or understanding language.
Definition of aphasia
Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to areas of the brain responsible for communication. It can affect speaking, understanding speech, reading, and writing without necessarily affecting intelligence.
Also known as
dysphasia
Used in a sentence
Speech-language therapy was recommended for aphasia after the stroke.
Good to know
Sudden aphasia is a recognized presenting sign of stroke. Stroke treatments that restore blood flow lose effectiveness quickly after symptoms begin, which is why the speed of recognition affects the outcome.
Word origin
Where “aphasia” comes from
From Greek a-, “without,” and phasis, “speech.”