cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈni-shən How to pronounce cognition (audio)
: cognitive mental processes
A concussion impaired the patient's cognition.
also : a product of these processes
cognitional
käg-ˈnish-nəl How to pronounce cognition (audio)
-ˈni-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of cognition in a Sentence

disabilities affecting cognition and judgment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In August, the National Toxicology Program published a review of research about the association between fluoride exposure and neurodevelopment and cognition. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024 Sleep can also affect reaction time, learning abilities, and cognition. Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Nov. 2024 But concerns remain—particularly about links between fluoride and cognition. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 Recreational marijuana can be addictive and there may be mental health, cognition and decision-making problems. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cognition 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cognicioun "comprehension, ability to comprehend," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French cognicion "knowledge, jurisdiction," borrowed from Latin cognitiōn-, cognitiō "act of getting to know, comprehension, investigation," from cogni-, variant stem of cognōscere "to get to know, acquire knowledge of, become acquainted with, investigate" (from co- co- + gnōscere, nōscere "to get to know," inchoative derivative from Indo-European *ǵneh3-, *ǵṇh3- "to know, recognize") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at know entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cognition was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near cognition

Cite this Entry

“Cognition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cognition. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cognition

noun
cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce cognition (audio)
: the act or process of knowing

Medical Definition

cognition

noun
cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce cognition (audio)
1
: cognitive mental processes
2
: a conscious intellectual act
conflict between cognitions
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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