word deafness

noun

, Pathology.

1. inability to comprehend the meanings of words though they are heard, caused by lesions of the auditory center of the brain.

word deafness

noun

1. loss of ability to understand spoken words, esp as the result of a cerebral lesion Also calledauditory aphasia

Derived Forms

• ˈword-ˌdeaf, adjective

Other Words From

• word-deaf adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of word deafness¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The higher impressive central paths are disturbed: centro-sensory dysphasia and aphasia, or word-deafness.

From Project Gutenberg

Kussmaul later named this abnormal condition word-deafness (surditas verbalis).

From Project Gutenberg

In other cases, we find, instead of this music deafness, the word deafness mentioned just above.

From Project Gutenberg

The jargon talk that so often accompanies word deafness reminds us of the fact that speech is first of all auditory to the child.

From Project Gutenberg

Word deafness, a term often used as synonymous with auditory aphasia, is misleading and should be abandoned.

From Project Gutenberg