Ageusia

/eɪˈɡjuːziə/ noun

Definition

A medical condition in which a person loses the sense of taste completely, often temporarily due to illness, medication, or injury.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (not, without) and 'geusis' (taste), literally 'without taste.' This medical term emerged in the 19th century to describe taste loss in clinical contexts.

Kelly Says

Ageusia during COVID-19 made this obscure medical term suddenly famous—millions experienced temporary taste loss, and suddenly doctors had to explain why their taste buds vanished along with their smell.

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