amnesia
[ am-nee-zhuh ]
/ æmˈni ʒə /
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noun
loss of a large block of interrelated memories; complete or partial loss of memory caused by brain injury, shock, etc.
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Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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OTHER WORDS FROM amnesia
am·nes·tic [am-nes-tik], /æmˈnɛs tɪk/, adjectiveWords nearby amnesia
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for amnesia
British Dictionary definitions for amnesia
amnesia
/ (æmˈniːzjə, -ʒjə, -zɪə) /
noun
a defect in memory, esp one resulting from pathological cause, such as brain damage or hysteria
Derived forms of amnesia
amnesiac (æmˈniːzɪˌæk) or amnesic (æmˈniːsɪk, -zɪk), adjective, nounWord Origin for amnesia
C19: via New Latin from Greek: forgetfulness, probably from amnēstia oblivion; see amnesty
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
Medical definitions for amnesia
amnesia
[ ăm-nē′zhə ]
n.
The loss or impairment of memory.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for amnesia
amnesia
[ ăm-nē′zhə ]
Partial or total loss of memory, usually caused by brain injury or shock.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for amnesia
amnesia
[ (am-nee-zhuh) ]
A loss of memory, especially one brought on by some distressing or shocking experience.
notes for amnesia
A common variant is selective amnesia; the term is applied to public officials who, when questioned about alleged wrongdoing, profess that they cannot remember.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.