Anoesia – Definition & Meaning

Anoesia is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language. However, it is a word that is used in medical and psychological contexts to describe a specific condition. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anoesia, its origin, and its associations.

Definitions

Anoesia is defined as a loss of the sense of smell. It is a condition that can be caused by various factors, including injury to the nose or brain, infections, or exposure to certain chemicals. Anoesia can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause.

Origin

The term anoesia comes from the Greek words “a-” meaning “without” and “noesis” meaning “perception.” The word was first used in the medical field in the early 1900s to describe the loss of the sense of smell.

Meaning in different dictionaries

Anoesia is not a commonly used word, and therefore, it may not be found in all dictionaries. However, some medical and psychology dictionaries do include the term, and they define it as a loss of the sense of smell.

Associations

Anoesia is often associated with other medical conditions, such as head injuries, infections, and exposure to certain chemicals. It can also be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Synonyms

The synonyms of anoesia include anosmia, hyposmia, and olfactory dysfunction. These terms are all used to describe a loss or reduction in the sense of smell.

Antonyms

The antonyms of anoesia include hyperosmia, which is an increased sensitivity to smells, and parosmia, which is a distorted sense of smell.

The same root words

The same root words as anoesia include “a-” meaning “without” and “noesis” meaning “perception.” These root words are also found in other medical and psychological terms, such as anhedonia (the inability to experience pleasure) and agnosia (the inability to recognize objects or people).

Example Sentences

1. The patient was diagnosed with anoesia after a head injury.
2. Anoesia can be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
3. The chemical exposure caused anoesia in the workers.
4. The doctor tested the patient’s sense of smell to determine if they had anoesia.
5. Anoesia can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.