Paresthesia
/ˌpærɪsˈθiːʒə/noun
An abnormal sensation such as tingling, prickling, numbness, or a feeling of pins and needles.
Did you know?The word comes from ancient Greek medical vocabulary, where unusual bodily sensations were classified through precise terms built around aisthēsis, meaning perception or sensation.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
para-
“Beside, beyond, abnormal, or contrary to the usual condition”
Ancient Greek
Greek
aisthēsis
“Sensation, perception, or sensory awareness”
Ancient Greek
Greek
paraisthēsia
“An abnormal or unusual sensation”
19th Century
New Latin
paraesthesia
“A medical term for abnormal bodily sensation”
19th Century
English
paraesthesia
“Tingling, prickling, numbness, or related sensory disturbance”
Modern English
English
paresthesia
“The standard American-English spelling for abnormal sensations such as pins and needles”
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