Amusia

/əˈmjuːʒə/ noun

Definition

A neurological condition in which a person loses the ability to recognize or produce music, despite normal hearing and motor functions.

Etymology

From Greek a- (without) plus mousia (music), literally meaning 'without music.' The term was coined in the 19th century by neurologists studying brain injuries affecting musical perception.

Kelly Says

Amusia is fascinating because it shows that our brains have a special 'music processor' separate from regular hearing—some people can hear notes but can't perceive them as music!

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