dyslexia
UK: dɪsˈlɛksɪə | US: dɪsˈlɛksiə
n. A learning disorder characterized by difficulty in reading, spelling, and writing despite normal intelligence and adequate instruction.
dyslexia = dys<bad, difficult> + lex<word, speech> + ia<condition>
- dys: From Greek dys-, meaning "bad," "difficult," or "impaired." Commonly used in medical/psychological terms (e.g., dysfunction).
- lex: From Greek lexis (λέξις), meaning "word" or "speech." Also seen in lexicon (vocabulary) and lexical (related to words).
- ia: A noun-forming suffix in Greek/Latin, indicating a condition or state (e.g., insomnia, anemia).
Etymology Origin:
The term dyslexia emerged in the late 19th century, combining Greek morphemes to describe a neurological condition affecting language processing. Dys- highlights impairment, while lex- anchors the issue in language (specifically reading/writing). The suffix -ia classifies it as a medical condition. The word reflects a scientific approach to naming learning disorders by pinpointing functional challenges (dys) in a specific domain (lex).
Early intervention can significantly improve reading skills in children with dyslexia.
Dyslexia is unrelated to intelligence; many gifted individuals have it.
Teachers use multisensory techniques to support students with dyslexia.
The book explains how dyslexia affects phonological processing.
Advances in neuroscience have deepened our understanding of dyslexia.