Aphonic – Definition & Meaning

Aphonic is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language. It is a word that is used in the medical field to describe individuals who are unable to produce sound or speak. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of aphonic, its origin, and its associations.

Definitions

Aphonic is an adjective that refers to the inability to produce sound or speak. It is often used to describe individuals who have lost their ability to speak due to a medical condition or injury. It can also refer to individuals who are mute or have never learned to speak.

Origin

The word aphonic comes from the Greek word “aphōnos,” which means “voiceless.” The term was first used in the medical field in the early 19th century to describe individuals who were unable to produce sound or speak.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of aphonic in different dictionaries is consistent with its medical definition. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines aphonic as “unable to produce sound.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “voiceless or mute.”

Associations

Aphonic is often associated with medical conditions such as laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, or damage to the vocal cords. It can also be associated with psychological conditions such as selective mutism, where an individual chooses not to speak in certain situations.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of aphonic include voiceless, mute, silent, and speechless. These words all describe the inability to produce sound or speak.

Antonyms

Antonyms of aphonic include vocal, talkative, and communicative. These words describe individuals who are able to produce sound and speak.

The same root words

The same root words as aphonic include aphasia, which refers to the loss of the ability to understand or express speech, and dysphonia, which refers to a difficulty in producing sound or speaking.

Example Sentences

1. The patient was aphonic due to damage to his vocal cords.
2. The child was diagnosed with selective mutism and was aphonic in certain situations.
3. The singer was unable to perform due to a bout of laryngitis, leaving her aphonic for several days.
4. The teacher was concerned about the student’s dysphonia and recommended a speech therapist.