Aphthongia

/æfˈθɔŋɡiə/ noun

Definition

A condition or disorder characterized by loss of the ability to speak or extreme difficulty in articulating sounds and words.

Etymology

From Greek a- (without) + phthongos (sound, voice) + -ia (medical condition suffix). The term describes speech loss through inability to produce clear vocal sounds.

Kelly Says

This rare medical term shows how Greek can generate incredibly specific disorder names by combining roots—each syllable precisely describes what's wrong: no (a-) voice (-phthong) condition (-ia).

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