anosmia

American  

[an-oz-mee-uh, -os-] / ænˈɒz mi ə, -ˈɒs- /

noun

Pathology.

1. absence or loss of the sense of smell.

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anosmia British  

/ -ˈɒs-, ˌænɒzˈmætɪk, ænˈɒzmɪə /

noun

1. pathol loss of the sense of smell, usually as the result of a lesion of the olfactory nerve, disease in another organ or part, or obstruction of the nasal passages

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Other Word Forms

• anosmatic adjective
• anosmic adjective

Etymology

Origin of anosmia

1805–15; < New Latin < Greek an- an- ¹ + osm ( ḗ ) smell (akin to ózein to smell) + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

There have even been reports of zinc-induced anosmia syndrome, meaning a loss of smell, from zinc nasal sprays.

From Salon

Although less dependent on smell to process reality than other animals, humans still need it and will suffer from mental health disorders when that ability is impaired or eliminated through a condition known as anosmia.

From Salon

He'd watched this grandfather navigate the condition, known as anosmia, observing that he didn't perceive flavor and only enjoyed eating very salty or meaty foods.

From Salon

There are also efforts to build neuroprostheses that would help people with anosmia detect smell again.

From Scientific American

Even anosmia, the loss of taste and smell — considered hallmark symptoms of this disease, though that is changing — is a neurological disorder, a category of conditions affecting the brain and central nervous system.

From Salon