kinesthesia

[ kin-uhs-thee-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh, kahy-nuhs- ]

noun

, Psychology, Physiology.

1. the sensation of movement or strain in muscles, tendons, and joints; muscle sense.

kinesthesia

/ ˌkɪnɪsˈθiːzɪə; ˌkaɪn- /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of kinaesthesia

Other Words From

• kin·es·thet·ic especially British, kin·aes·thet·ic [kin-, uh, s-, thet, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kinesthesia¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from Greek kīn(eîn) “to move, set in motion” + esthesia

Example Sentences

It even has a sort of kinesthesia; it can feel when you move its robotic arm or head.

From The Verge

This kind of awareness, called kinesthesia, is missing from prosthetic limbs—especially advanced, motorized ones.

From National Geographic

Now, researchers have recreated the feeling of kinesthesia in six arm amputees by sending finely tuned vibrations into the skin of their upper arms and shoulders.

From Science Magazine

But the bodily and muscular sensation that is the actual province of the science of kinesthesia doesn’t really have much to do with this art.

From Los Angeles Times

Stimulating muscle tendons in the nonoperated hand created a perception of movement, or illusory kinesthesia, in the injured hand without causing pain or actual movement, the study said.

From Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• feel
• impression
• sensibility
• sensitivity
• taste
• touch