a-, an- +
(Greek: a prefix meaning: no, absence of, without, lack of, not)
These prefixes are normally used with elements of Greek origin, a- is used before consonants and an- is used before vowels.
It affects the meanings of hundreds of words.
There are too many words that use these prefix elements to list all of them on this site; however, there are significant examples listed in this and the other units where they exist.
anoetic
Lacking the power of concentration.
anomalous
1. Deviating from the normal rule, method, or arrangement; irregular, abnormal; such as, a fish that crawls out of the water and along the ground.
2. Irregular; marked by deviation from the natural order and is applied particularly to congenital and hereditary defects.
anomia
The inability to name objects or of recognizing and recalling their names.
anomie, anomy
1. A condition in society in which normative standards of conduct and belief are weak or lacking; also, a similar condition in an individual commonly characterized by disorientation, anxiety, and isolation.
2. A reference to a lack of social control in which the absence of regulation and control has permitted desires to grow beyond all hope of satisfaction and so such a condition may result in "anomic suicide".
3. Apathy, alienation, and personal distress resulting from the loss of goals previously valued. Emile Durkheim popularized this term when he listed it as a principal reason for suicide.
Emile Durkheim was a French social scientist and a founder of sociology who is known for his study of social values and alienation. His important works include The Rules of Sociological Method (1895).
anonychia
Congenital absence of fingernails and toenails.
anonym
1. With no name known or acknowledged.
2. Given, written, etc. by a person whose name is withheld.
3. A name used by someone to hide his or her identity.
4. Not easily distinguished from others or from one another because of a lack of individual features or character.
anopia
Absence of sight; especially, when due to a structured defect in or absence of an eye (or eyes).
anorchism
Absence of the testes.
anorexia
1. A lack or loss of appetite for food.
2. No appetite; also, a shortened term for anorexia nervosa.
anorthopia
Distorted vision in which straight lines appear as curves or angles, and symmetry is incorrectly perceived; without correct vision.
anorthosis
Sexual impotence.
anosmia, anosphresia
Loss or absence of the sense of smell.
anosognosia
Ignorance of the presence of disease.
anotia
Congenital absence of one or both auricles of the ears.
anoxemia
Absence of oxygen in arterial blood.
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