visceral

[vis-er-uhl]

adjective

1. of or relating to the viscera.

2. affecting the viscera.

3. of the nature of or resembling viscera.

4. characterized by or proceeding from instinct rather than intellect.

   a visceral reaction.

5. characterized by or dealing with coarse or base emotions; earthy; crude.

   a visceral literary style.

visceral

/ ˈvɪsərəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affecting the viscera

2. characterized by intuition or instinct rather than intellect

Other Word Forms

• viscerally adverb
• nonvisceral adjective
• unvisceral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of visceral¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Medieval Latin viscerālis, equivalent to viscer(a) ( viscera ) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

The arias and duets, which are almost always slowly paced and formless, lack that visceral, theatrical punch and do not musically distinguish one character from another.

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“Glaciers are touchstones between the past and the present, and it’s just so visceral when you can see how it used to be and how it is today,” Jones said.

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It's about as coherent as any pop concert narrative - ie not very - but Gaga's visceral commitment makes it soar.

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Most of Sami's other paintings are also striking and huge, and give a visceral sense of the aftermath of destruction without actually including any people or identifying which battlefield they intend to show.

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"I think the fact that the party is discussing this after 20 years of visceral opposition to any ID is actually a step forward."

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Related Words

• ingrained 
• innate 
• intuitive