dysphasic
|dis-phas-ic|
/dɪsˈfæsɪk/
pertaining to impaired speech
Etymology
'dysphasic' originates from Greek, specifically the combining form 'dys-' and the noun 'phasia' (from Greek 'phasis'), where 'dys-' meant 'bad, difficult' and 'phasis/phasia' meant 'speech' or 'speaking'.
'dysphasic' developed in modern English as an adjective formed from the medical noun 'dysphasia' (from Greek 'dys-' + 'phasia') with the adjectival suffix '-ic'; 'dysphasia' entered medical Latin/English from Greek usage describing speech impairment.
Initially it referred specifically to conditions of impaired speech ('pertaining to dysphasia'), and it has retained that medical sense in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to, or affected by, dysphasia — a disorder of language (speech and/or comprehension) typically caused by brain injury.
After the stroke the patient was dysphasic and had difficulty finding words.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/04 06:45