glossolalia

[ glos-uh-ley-lee-uh, glaw-suh- ]

/ ˌglɒs əˈleɪ li ə, ˌglɔ sə- /

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noun

incomprehensible speech in an imaginary language, sometimes occurring in a trance state, an episode of religious ecstasy, or schizophrenia.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Compare speaking in tongues.

Origin of glossolalia

First recorded in 1875–80; glosso- + -lalia

OTHER WORDS FROM glossolalia

glos·sol·a·list

[glo-sol-uh-list, glaw-], /glɒˈsɒl ə lɪst, glɔ-/, noun

Words nearby glossolalia

glossitis, glossmeter, glosso-, glossographer, glossography, glossolalia, glossology, glossopharyngeal, glossopharyngeal nerve, gloss over, gloss paint

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use glossolalia in a sentence

Besides, we find in Lola's case a high degree of glossolalia.
Lola|Henny Kindermann

British Dictionary definitions for glossolalia

glossolalia

/ (ˌɡlɒsəˈleɪlɪə) /

noun

another term for gift of tongues

psychol babbling in a nonexistent language

Word Origin for glossolalia

C19: New Latin, from glosso- + Greek lalein to speak, babble

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