cognition

American  

[kog-nish-uhn] / kɒgˈnɪʃ ən /

noun

1. the act or process of knowing; perception.

2. the product of such a process; something thus known, perceived, etc.

3. knowledge.

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cognition British  

/ kɒɡˈnɪʃən /

noun

1. the mental act or process by which knowledge is acquired, including perception, intuition, and reasoning

2. the knowledge that results from such an act or process

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cognition Scientific  

/ kŏg-nĭsh′ən /

1. The mental process of knowing, including awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment.

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Other Word Forms

• cognitional adjective
• noncognition noun
• self-cognition noun

Etymology

Origin of cognition

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English cognicioun, from Latin cognitiōn-, stem of cognitiō “knowledge, a learning,” equivalent to cognit(us) “learned, known” (past participle of cognōscere “to learn, become acquainted,” from co- co- + gnōscere, nōscere “to learn”; know ¹ ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

This system, which uses the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to regulate cognition and bodily functions, is known to fluctuate during normal sleep.

From Science Daily

One surprising finding from Whelan's research was that fibre helped improve cognition in people over 60.

From BBC

Judge Pauline Newman, who sits on a federal appeals court that oversees patent cases, was suspended in 2023 after court staff raised concerns about the then 96-year old’s cognition.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We’re pretty clear that nicotine is not some smart drug or panacea for the normal range of human behavior and cognition,” Newhouse said.

From Salon

These connections are essential for core brain functions, including perception, thinking, and cognition.

From Science Daily