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.
astomia
Congenital absence of the mouth.
asyllabia
A form of aphasia characterized by an inability to form or understand syllables, even while recognizing individual letters.
asymbolia, asymboly
The loss of power to comprehend the symbolic meaning of things such as words, figures, gestures, and signs.
asymmetry
A lack or absence of symmetry; dissimilarity in corresponding parts of organs on opposite sides of the body that are normally alike.
asymphytous
Separate or distinct; not grown together.
asymptomatic
Without symptoms; producing or causing no symptoms.
asymptote
1. A straight line that a curve continually approaches, but never meets, even if the curve is extended to infinity.
2. A line that draws increasingly nearer to a curve without ever meeting it.
3. Etymology: from Greek asymptotos, "not falling together", from a-, "not" + syn "with" + ptotos, "fallen"; from piptein, "to fall".
asynchronism, asynchronous, asynchrony
1. Operating at a rate determined by the system rather than at a regular rate of chronological time; without a fixed time pattern.
2. Describing the relationship of two or more systems that run at their own rates and interact at unpredictable times.
asyndesis
A pattern of language in which words and phrases are juxtaposed without grammatical linkage; seen in schizophrenic and other mental disorders.
asynechia
Absence of continuity of structure.
asynergy, asynergy, asynergic
Lack of coordination among various muscle groups during the performance of complex movements, resulting in a loss of skill and speed.
asynesia
Profound mental dullness; stupidity.
asyntaxia
Lack of proper and orderly embryonic development.
asystole, asystolia, asystolic
Absence of a heartbeat.
atactic
A reference to muscle movements, irregular; lacking in coordination.
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