anosmia

American  

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

noun

Pathology.

1. absence or loss of the sense of smell.

---

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

---

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

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 • Oct. 17, 2024

When anosmia was reported as a symptom of Covid-19, there was a switch.

From Salon • Oct. 4, 2023

"Every time I look to see if I can get involved in research, they're recruiting very specific people," said Charlotte Atkins, who also has congenital anosmia and lives in the U.K.

From Salon • Oct. 4, 2023

For congenital anosmia, researchers suspect a genetic link or developmental abnormalities.

From Salon • Oct. 4, 2023

Ogle, after mentioning several cases of traumatic anosmia, suggests that a blow on the occiput is generally the cause.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)