Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Anomia
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Anomia: A problem with word finding. Impaired recall of words with no impairment of comprehension or the capacity to repeat the words.
In "The Case of Anna H." who had anomia, the neurologist/writer Oliver Sacks noted that: "When I showed her some kitchen matches, she recognized them at once, visually, but could not say the word 'match,' saying instead, 'That is to make fire.'"
Also known as anomic aphasia, amnesic (or amnestic) aphasia, and nominal aphasia.
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