hyperaesthesia

A patient with hyperaesthesia finds the touch of a cotton ball uncomfortable.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Abnormal sensitivity: "hyperaesthesia" is a medical term referring to an abnormally increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as touch, pain, temperature, or sound. It can affect any of the senses, but is most commonly associated with the skin or nervous system.

Usage Examples

• (Abnormal sensitivity to touch.)
• (Increased sensitivity to sound.)
• (A medical condition of heightened sensitivity.)

Advanced Usage

• "to exhibit hyperaesthesia": to display or show signs of abnormal sensitivity.

  • The animal exhibited hyperaesthesia after being exposed to the toxin, reacting strongly to gentle handling. (The animal showed heightened sensitivity.)

• "hyperaesthesia of the cornea": a specific medical condition where the cornea becomes overly sensitive to light or touch.

  • Ophthalmologists often treat hyperaesthesia of the cornea with specialized eye drops. (Increased sensitivity of the eye's outer layer.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hyperaesthetic (adj): relating to or characterized by hyperaesthesia.

  • The hyperaesthetic reaction to the medication caused the patient to avoid bright lights. (Describing a state of abnormal sensitivity.)

• Hyperaesthetically (adv): in a manner related to hyperaesthesia.

  • The nerve damage made him hyperaesthetically responsive to changes in temperature. (In a way that shows abnormal sensitivity.)

Synonyms

• Hypersensitivity: an exaggerated response to stimuli.
• Oversensitivity: being too sensitive to physical or emotional stimuli.
• Algesia: specifically, increased sensitivity to pain (a subtype of hyperaesthesia).

Related Idioms

Phrasal Verbs