alexia

[ uh-lek-see-uh ]

/ əˈlɛk si ə /

noun Pathology.

a neurologic disorder marked by loss of the ability to understand written or printed language, usually resulting from a brain lesion or a congenital defect.

Nearby words

alexandrinus, alexandrite, alexandros, alexandroupolis, alexandroúpolis, alexia, alexian, alexiares, alexicacus, alexin, alexipharmic

Origin of alexia

1875–80; a-⁶ + Greek léx(is) speech (leg- stem of légein to speak + -sis -sis) + -ia; altered meaning by association of -lex- with lexicon, etc.

Also called word blindness.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for alexia

As a mother to three daughters, Catharina-Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane, Máxima has passed her style down to the next generation.
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands Is a New Style Icon|Erin Cunningham|May 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
“What was discovered in Daraya is horrible,” says a Damascus activist who goes by the name Alexia Jade.
Syrian Uprising Body Count Spikes as Assad Forces Massacre Civilians|Mike Giglio|August 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
“And I think I got my rice deposited as well452 as some of the rest of you girls,” declared Alexia airily.
Five Little Peppers at School|Margaret Sidney
Thereupon, Pip's thin lip trembling, he put out his hand to Alexia.
Ben Pepper|Margaret Sidney

“Yes—or you won't be cool and patient to-morrow,” said Dr. Fisher decidedly, and patting Alexia's bandages.
Five Little Peppers at School|Margaret Sidney
In the midst of them, Polly saw the face of the doctor who had just fixed Alexia's arm.
Five Little Peppers at School|Margaret Sidney
Despite the gaoler's threats, Cuthbert set out, determined to liberate Alexia and made good his own escape.
The World's Greatest Books, Vol. I|Various

British Dictionary definitions for alexia

alexia

/ (əˈlɛksɪə) /

noun

a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by impaired ability to readNontechnical name: word blindness Compare aphasia

Word Origin for alexia

C19: from New Latin, from a- 1 + Greek lexis speech; influenced in meaning by Latin legere to read

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for alexia

alexia

[ ə-lĕk′sē-ə ]

n.

Loss of the ability to comprehend the meaning of written or printed words and sentences, usually caused by brain lesions.text blindness visual aphasia word blindness

Related forms

a•lex′ic adj.