PsychologyJuly 30, 2026

synaesthesia

sin-uhs-THEE-zhuh

Definition

A neurological condition or cognitive phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second, unrelated sensory or cognitive pathway.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'syn' (together) and 'aisthesis' (sensation). It was coined in the late 19th century to describe the joining of different sensory experiences.

In the news

In the article, it is mentioned as a way some autistic individuals describe their sensory experiences with music, where sound is felt physically or perceived through other senses. It matters here because it highlights the unique, intense, and often multisensory way autistic people can process and experience joy.

‘Love on the Spectrum’ star reveals secret benefit of her neurodivergence: Autistic joy

Read the full article ↗

Upworthy

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.