Anosmia

/ænˈɒzmiə/ noun

Definition

A complete or partial loss of the sense of smell, either present from birth or acquired through illness or injury.

Etymology

From Greek 'an-' (without) + 'osme' (smell) + '-ia' (condition). The term became prominent in medical literature during the 19th century as neurologists studied sensory disorders.

Kelly Says

COVID-19 made anosmia suddenly famous, but people have experienced it for centuries—the condition reveals how much of taste is actually smell, so many people with anosmia report that food becomes tasteless.

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