Visceral
/ˈvɪsərəl/noun
Relating to the internal organs or arising from deep, instinctive feelings rather than conscious thought.
Did you know?Ancient Latin treated the viscera—the hidden organs—as the seat of profound emotion, helping inspire the modern sense of an intensely instinctive reaction.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
viscus
“An internal organ; in the plural, viscera referred to the internal organs collectively.”
Classical Latin
Latin
viscera
“The internal organs or entrails, especially those within the body cavity.”
Late Latin
Latin
visceralis
“Relating to the viscera or internal organs.”
17th Century
English
visceral
“Relating to the organs of the body.”
19th–20th Century
English
visceral
“Deeply instinctive, emotional, or felt physically rather than reasoned intellectually.”