apraxia

American  

[uh-prak-see-uh, ey-prak-] / əˈpræk si ə, eɪˈpræk- /

noun

Pathology.

1. a disorder of the nervous system, characterized by an inability to perform purposeful movements, but not accompanied by a loss of sensory function or paralysis.

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apraxia British  

/ əˈpræksɪə /

noun

1. a disorder of the central nervous system caused by brain damage and characterized by impaired ability to carry out purposeful muscular movements

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Other Word Forms

• apractic
  adjective
• apraxic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of apraxia

From New Latin, dating back to 1885–90; see origin at a- ⁶, praxis, -ia

Example Sentences

The broadcaster, who was diagnosed with the speech condition apraxia in 2022, has pledged he will perform with the Bantam singers at Valley Parade this year.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2025

As a little girl growing up in Venice, California, Rousey dealt with apraxia, a motor-speech disorder.

From The Guardian • Aug. 18, 2018

She also has apraxia, which is a motor disorder caused by brain damage.

From Washington Times • Feb. 15, 2015

Enrique has Down syndrome and speech apraxia, which means that he cannot speak, aside from a few grunts and “Ma” in the word “Mama.”

From New York Times • Jul. 25, 2012

This type of disturbance is called "motor apraxia", and, like motor aphasia, it proves that there is a preparation that follows perception and still precedes actual movement.

From Psychology A Study Of Mental Life by Woodworth, Robert S.