n. Loss of memory, usually resulting from shock, psychological disturbance, brain injury, or illness. [Greek amnēsiā, forgetfulness, probably alteration of amnēstiā, from amnēstos, not remembered : a-, not; see A–1 + mimnēskein, mnē-, to remember; see men-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] am·nesi·ac′ (-nēzē-ăk′, -zhē-ăk′), am·nesic (-zĭk, -sĭk) n.& adj. am·nestic (-nĕstĭk) adj. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.