anosmia

[ an-oz-mee-uh, -os- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. absence or loss of the sense of smell.

anosmia

/ -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

Derived Forms

• anosmatic, adjective

Other Words From

• an·os·mat·ic [an-, uh, z-, mat, -ik], an·osmic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anosmia¹

1805–15; < New Latin < Greek an- an- ¹ + osm ( ḗ ) smell (akin to ózein to smell) + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of anosmia¹

C19: from New Latin, from an- + Greek osmē smell, from ozein to smell

Example Sentences

This phenomenon, known as anosmia, has always affected a small number of people—some estimates put it at roughly 3 percent of adults over age 40—because of genetics, illnesses such as Parkinson’s, or radiation treatment.

From Popular-Science

People with anosmia often report finding food less pleasurable.

From Popular-Science

Cases of complete anosmia and qualitative obtuseness are not uncommon.

From Project Gutenberg