Acnemia

/æk.ˈniː.mi.ə/ noun

Definition

The absence or deficiency of legs or limbs, particularly a medical condition where someone is born without legs.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (meaning 'without') combined with 'kneme' (meaning 'leg' or 'shin'). The term was established in medical Greek to describe congenital limb deficiencies and has been used in medical terminology since ancient times.

Kelly Says

The Greek root 'kneme' also gives us the word 'cnemia' in classical texts—it's the same word for the lower leg, so 'acnemia' literally means 'no-leg-ness,' which is a pretty direct way to describe a serious congenital condition.

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