Path. [mod.L., a. Gr. ἀφασία, n. of quality f. ἄφατος speechless, f. ἀ priv. + φά-ναι to speak (cf. φάσ-ις speech).] Loss of the faculty of speech, as a result of cerebral affection.
1867. Chamb. Jrnl., XXXVIII. 85/1. A musician, the subject of aphasia, and who had lost the ability to read and write as well as to speak, could yet, on hearing a passage of music, write it with facility.
1878. A. M. Hamilton, Nerv. Dis., 72. Embarrassment of speech may vary from simple awkwardness of articulation to decided aphasia.
