Gelotology
/ˌdʒɛləˈtɑːlədʒi/noun
The scientific study of laughter and its physical and psychological effects.
Did you know?The modern field gained attention through laughter-therapy research, especially after journalist Norman Cousins described using comedy and laughter while recovering from a painful illness.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
γελῶ (gelō)
“I laugh”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γέλως (gelōs)
“Laughter; a laugh”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-λογία (-logia)
“The study, account, or systematic treatment of something”
20th Century
Scientific English
gelotology
“The systematic study of laughter”
Modern English
English
gelotology
“The scientific study of laughter and its effects”
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