How is the term associated with absence of speech described?

The term that describes the absence of speech is "aphasia." Aphasia is a language disorder that results from damage to the parts of the brain responsible for language, which can manifest as difficulties in speaking, understanding speech, reading, or writing. While "dysphasia" also relates to difficulties with speech, it specifically refers to partial loss of language abilities rather than a complete absence.

"Apraxia" pertains to a motor function disorder where individuals have difficulty with the purposeful movements necessary for speech, but it does not indicate a loss of speech itself. "Neuropathy" refers to a disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, or pain, and is not directly related to issues with speech. Therefore, aphasia is the accurate term associated with the complete absence of speech.