aphantasia

noun

aph·​an·​ta·​sia ˌa-ˌfan-ˈtā-zh(ē-)ə How to pronounce aphantasia (audio)
: the inability to form mental images of real or imaginary people, places, or things
Derek has a condition called aphantasia, which means he is unable to voluntarily produce mental imagery.—Brooke McAfee
aphantasic
ˌa-ˌfan-ˈtā-zik How to pronounce aphantasia (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + Greek phantasía "appearance to the consciousness, imagination" — more at fantasy entry 1

Note: The term was introduced by Adam Zeman, et al., "Lives without imagery—congenital aphantasia," Cortex, vol. 73 (December, 2015), pp. 378-80.

First Known Use

2015, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aphantasia was in 2015

Dictionary Entries Near aphantasia

aphanozygous

aphantasia

apharyngent

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Aphantasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphantasia. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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