synesthete

noun

syn·​es·​thete ˈsi-nəs-ˌthēt How to pronounce synesthete (audio)
: a person affected with synesthesia

Examples of synesthete in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The findings suggest that while ticker-tape synesthetes excel in certain cognitive tasks related to orthographic working memory, the interplay of these sensory experiences can introduce unique challenges. Mark Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 In particular, synesthetes could be distracted by an overload of sensory experiences. Mark Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 The child with the hood on in this photo was born in 1988 and is an adult synesthete. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 4 Mar. 2015 None of those were the same across all synesthetes in all three families. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2018 One dominant theory, though, is that the brains of synesthetes have more connections than usual between different areas designated for different functions. Cari Romm, The Cut, 10 May 2018 The ability may seem intriguing, but why should someone who might never experience the world as synesthetes do care about this research? Kate Sheridan, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2018 With the help of three large families of synesthetes, researchers identified a smattering of genes that may help explain their mingled senses. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2018 This sensory intermixing can occur in many different ways, involving various senses, but most synesthetes are born with it. Vanessa Potter, CNN, 10 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'synesthete.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of synesthete was in 1985

Dictionary Entries Near synesthete

Cite this Entry

“Synesthete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synesthete. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

synesthete

noun
syn·​es·​thete ˈsin-əs-ˌthēt How to pronounce synesthete (audio)
: one who experiences synesthesia
for a synesthete, a voice can spark color or taste as well as soundPsychology Today
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