

Jan 30, 2013 This week's theme

There's a word for it



This week's words

overmorrow

filipendulous

paresthesia

armscye

onomastics

Follow us on Discuss

Feedback

RSS/XML There's a word for itFollow us on A.Word.A.Day with Anu Garg



paresthesia or paraesthesia PRONUNCIATION: (par-uhs-THEE-zhuh, -zhee-)

MEANING: noun: A sensation of pricking, tingling, burning, etc. on the skin.

ETYMOLOGY: From Greek para- (at, beyond) + aisthesis (sensation or perception). Ultimately from the Indo-European root au- (to perceive) that also gave us audio, audience, audit, auditorium, anesthesia, aesthetic, anesthetic, esthesia synesthesia , and obey. Earliest documented use: 1848.

USAGE: "Cronk muttered to himself, wiggling his right foot in an effort to relieve the paresthesia."

Bruce Banta; A Dead Man's Chest; Xlibris; 2011.

See more usage examples of paresthesia in Vocabulary.com's dictionary.



A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers and are famous preservers of youthful looks. -Charles Dickens, novelist (1812-1870)





We need your help



Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere



Donate