eidetic

American  

[ahy-det-ik] / aɪˈdɛt ɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or constituting visual imagery vividly experienced and readily reproducible with great accuracy and in great detail.

2. of or relating to eidos.

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eidetic British  

/ aɪˈdɛtɪk /

adjective

1. (of visual, or sometimes auditory, images) exceptionally vivid and allowing detailed recall of something previously perceived: thought to be common in children

2. relating to or subject to such imagery

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Other Word Forms

• eidetically adverb
• noneidetic adjective

Etymology

Origin of eidetic

First recorded in 1920–25; from Greek eidētikós, equivalent to eîd(os) eidos + -ētikos -etic

Explanation

Having an eidetic memory of a dream means that you can see it in your mind so vividly that it's as though you were watching a movie. Beyond memory, the word eidetic is used to describe the essence, or perfect vision, of an object or idea. The Greek root of eidetic is eidetikos, which means "pertaining to images." While you'll often find the adjective eidetic describing a precise recollection, like a photographic memory, it's used in philosophy and art to describe the essential vision or version of something — e.g., the "essence" of a triangle stripped of color or size. In literature, it might describe writing that evokes images in the mind's eye that are vivid and almost palpable.

Example Sentences

He strips down the real stuff of reverse-immigrant struggles as eidetic text to be read.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

We know of this lullaby because Liebeskind, who was later killed at Sachsenhausen, transmitted the song there to Alexander Kulisiewicz, a Polish musician and political prisoner who had an eidetic memory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Her eidetic memory, passion for justice and tireless attention to detail help her achieve surprising victories in the courtroom.

From Washington Post • Apr. 13, 2023

Photographic memory, eidetic memory, Hyperthymesia, Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, perfect recall, there are a number of labels to choose from when discussing formidable memory prowess.

From The Guardian • Apr. 27, 2017

Aided by an eidetic memory, he was the last non-lawyer to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court—a case he won.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady