amusia

American  

[ey-myoo-zee-uh] / eɪˈmyu zi ə /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. the inability to produce or comprehend music or musical sounds.

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amusia British  

/ eɪˈmjuːzɪə /

noun

1. the inability to distinguish differences in musical pitch; tone deafness

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Other Word Forms

• amusic adjective

Etymology

Origin of amusia

< New Latin < Greek amousía state of being without the Muses, especially song. See a- ⁶, Muse, -ia

Example Sentences

It is known as congenital amusia, or an inability to hear music and understand it as — well — music.

From Salon

It is unclear how many people suffer from amusia, in part because so often people who hear them simply assume they are bad singers.

From Salon

Yet when a person has congenital amusia, it means that their biological wiring malfunctions and they are unable to "hear" music in the harmonious, enjoyable fashion experienced by everyone else.

From Salon

For one thing, a person can have congenital amusia for a wide range of reasons.

From Salon

If nothing else, Grant's life offers a glimpse at how someone with congenital amusia can try to make the best of their situation.

From Salon