idioglossia

[ id-ee-uh-glos-ee-uh, -glaw-see-uh ]

/ ˌɪd i əˈglɒs i ə, -ˈglɔ si ə /

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noun

a private form of speech invented by one child or by children who are in close contact, as twins.

a pathological condition characterized by speech so distorted as to be unintelligible.

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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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Origin of idioglossia

1890–95; <Greek idióglōss(os) of distinct or peculiar tongue (idio-idio- + -glōssos, adj. derivative of glôssa tongue) + -ia-ia

OTHER WORDS FROM idioglossia

id·i·o·glot·tic

[id-ee-uh-glot-ik], /ˌɪd i əˈglɒt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby idioglossia

idiochromatic, idiocrasy, idiocy, idiodynamic, idiodynamics, idioglossia, idiogram, idiograph, idiographic, idiolect, idiom

British Dictionary definitions for idioglossia

idioglossia

/ (ˌɪdɪəʊˈɡlɒsɪə) /

noun

a private language, as invented by a child or between two children, esp twins

a pathological condition in which a person's speech is so severely distorted that it is unintelligible

Word Origin for idioglossia

C19: from Greek idios private, separate + glossa tongue

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