formication

[ fawr-mi-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. a tactile hallucination involving the belief that something is crawling on the body or under the skin.

formication

/ ˌfɔːmɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. a sensation of insects crawling on the skin; symptom of a nerve disorder

Word History and Origins

Origin of formication¹

1700–10; < Latin (Pliny) formīcātiōn-, stem of formīcātiō a sensation that ants are crawling on one's skin, equivalent to formicā ( re ) to have such a sensation (verbal derivative of formīca ant) + -tiōn- -tion

Example Sentences

Marked digital formication existed, but the arthritic pains were not so severe as in ordinary cases.

From Project Gutenberg

Formication and dilatation of the pupils are frequent symptoms.

From Project Gutenberg

Both diarrhœa and formication were also absent in a third case reported by Dr. Busscher in the same paper.

From Project Gutenberg

Formication, radiating pains, and neuralgia are present in the area of distribution of the nerves implicated.

From Project Gutenberg

The thighs begin to struggle, as if formication was going on in the muscles.

From Project Gutenberg