asperger
asperger Lexical Profile
asperger Game Scores & Validity
• noun
(Usually capitalized, often in 'Asperger syndrome') A neurodevelopmental condition on the autism spectrum characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication alongside restricted, repetitive patterns of interest.
"Before the diagnostic criteria were merged into autism spectrum disorder, many clinicians diagnosed high-functioning patients with Asperger syndrome."
A brush, perforated wand, or liturgical vessel used to sprinkle holy water during religious ceremonies; an aspergillum.
"The priest dipped the silver asperger into the font and blessed the congregation."
One who sprinkles or scatters, especially water or dust.
"In the ancient ritual, the appointed asperger walked ahead of the procession scattering consecrated water."
Word Nuance & Usage
When lowercase, 'asperger' refers to a liturgical sprinkler or someone who scatters water; when capitalized in compounds like 'Asperger syndrome', it refers to the neurodevelopmental condition named after Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger.
Word Origin & Etymology
For the liturgical sense, derived from Latin 'aspergere' (to sprinkle), from 'ad-' (to) and 'spargere' (to scatter). The medical eponym honors Austrian physician Hans Asperger (1906–1980), who first described the developmental pattern in 1944.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.