speech [ME, speche] , 1. the utterance of articulate vocal sounds that form words of a language to give expression to one’s thoughts or ideas. 2. communication by means of spoken words. 3. the faculty of language production, which involves the complex coordination of the muscles and nerves of the organs of articulation. Any neurological or muscular injury or defect involving these organs results in various speech impediments or dysfunctions. Kinds include ataxic speech, explosive speech, scanning speech, slurred speech, staccato speech.
