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.
apsychognosia
A lack of awareness of one’s own personality or mental state; used particularly to refer to the alcoholic’s typical lack of awareness of the outside world’s reaction to his drinking.
apsychosis
Absence of mental functioning and particularly of thinking, as when in a stupor.
apterous
1. Zoology, having no wings.
2. Botany, having no winglike parts or extensions.
apteryx
Having no wings, wingless; the kiwi.
aptyalism, aptyalia
Deficiency or absence of saliva.
apulmonism
Absence of lungs.
apyrexia
The absence or intermission of fever.
apyrogenic
Not caused by pus.
arrhythmias
Abnormal heart rhythms.
The heartbeats may be too slow, too rapid, irregular, or too early.
asemasia, asemia, asymbolia
Aphasia with the inability to employ or to understand either speech or signs.
asemia
1. Loss of the ability, previously possessed, to make or understand any sign or token of communication, whether of organic or emotional origin.
2. The inability to use or to understand signs, gestures, or written or printed language.
This disorder may be due to a lesion of the cerebral cortex or psychogenic in origin. It is a combination of animia and alexia.
asepsis
1. A condition in which living pathogenic organisms are absent; a state of sterility.
2. Free from microorganisms that produce disease, fermentation, or putrefaction.
Asepsis is a term that is used to distinguish it from antisepsis and it applies to the principle in surgery of not applying strong germicides like corrosive sublimate or carbolic acid to wounds. All of the dressings, swabs, and instruments used in the surgery process are sterilized by steaming, boiling, or dry heat. Thin, sterilized plastic, or rubber, gloves are worn by surgeons to prevent the risk of infection from their hands.
Aseptic surgery has the advantage of allowing the germ-destroying activity of the bodily tissues and their healing powers to increase by not letting antiseptics decrease the vitality of the tissues. Healing has greater possibilities and are more rapid after an aseptic operation.
—Based on information from Black's Medical Dictionary, 35th edition.
asexual
1. Reproduction without nuclear fusion in an organism.
2. Having no sexual desire or interest.
3. Having no sex; that is, genderless (neither male nor female).
asiderosis
An abnormal decrease of the iron reserve of the body.
asitia
Anorexia; no appetite for food.
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