synesthesia

noun

syn·​es·​the·​sia ˌsi-nəs-ˈthē-zh(ē-)ə 

1

: a concomitant sensation

especially : a subjective sensation or image of a sense (as of color) other than the one (as of sound) being stimulated

2

: the condition marked by the experience of such sensations

synesthetic

ˌsi-nəs-ˈthe-tik 

adjective

Examples of synesthesia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many commenters on the video have suggested that Emmett may be experiencing a form of synesthesia. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025

Scientists used to think all forms of synesthesia were more common in women, Lebeau points out, but subsequent studies have shown that’s likely because of selection bias. —Kate Evans, Scientific American, 25 June 2025

In people with synesthesia, the brain’s sensory wiring can get crossed. —Kate Evans, Scientific American, 25 June 2025

The album may even trigger a bout of synesthesia with its bold rhythms, conjuring cool blues tones and emerald overtures. —Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 31 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from syn- + -esthesia (as in anesthesia)

First Known Use

circa 1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for synesthesia

• anaesthesia
• analgesia
• anesthesia
• dyskinesia
• paresthesia
• amnesia
• atresia
• babesia
• hyperalgesia
• hyperesthesia

Medical Definition

synesthesia

noun

syn·​es·​the·​sia

variants or chiefly British synaesthesia

ˌsin-əs-ˈthē-zh(ē-)ə 

: a concomitant sensation and especially a subjective sensation or image of a sense (as of color) other than the one (as of sound) being stimulated

also : the condition marked by the experience of such sensations

synesthetic adjective

or chiefly British synaesthetic

-ˈthet-ik