dysphasia

noun

dys·​pha·​sia dis-ˈfā-zh(ē-)ə How to pronounce dysphasia (audio)
: loss of or deficiency in the power to use or understand language as a result of injury to or disease of the brain
dysphasic noun or adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web One resident, a 72-year-old Marine Corps veteran, died of septic shock stemming from an untreated urinary tract infection, dysphasia and pneumonia: complications spurred by improper medical care and neglect. Dana Ferguson, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2019 Brayson had been diagnosed with fragile X syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulse control disorder and dysphasia, according to records obtained by IndyStar. Marisa Kwiatkowski, Indianapolis Star, 31 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dysphasia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French dysphasie, from dys- + -phasie (in aphasie aphasia)

Note: Perhaps first suggested by the physician and librarian René-Marie Briau (1810-86), in a note entitled "Aphémie et aphasie," published in the Gazette hebdomadaire de médecine et de chirurgie, vol. 1, no. 6 (February 5, 1864), pp. 95-96. The note was Briau's reaction to the controversy over the two terms aphémie et aphasie (see note at aphasia).

First Known Use

circa 1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dysphasia was circa 1883

Dictionary Entries Near dysphasia

Cite this Entry

“Dysphasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysphasia. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

dysphasia

noun
dys·​pha·​sia dis-ˈfā-zh(ē-)ə How to pronounce dysphasia (audio)
: loss of or deficiency in the power to use or understand language as a result of injury to or disease of the brain compare dysarthria

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