Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

haptics

American  
[hap-tiks] / ˈhæp tɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)
  1. the branch of psychology that investigates sensory data and sensation derived from the sense of touch and localized on the skin.

  2. Digital Technology. the study or use of tactile sensations and the sense of touch as a method of interacting with computers and electronic devices.

    Haptics allows you to feel and manipulate digitized objects in a virtual 3D environment.


Other Word Forms

  • haptic adjective
  • haptical adjective

Etymology

Origin of haptics

First recorded in 1890–95; see origin at haptic; -ics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The venue’s sound system was just as impressive, with a finely detailed mix and seatback haptics that allowed you literally to feel the oomph of bassist Mike Gordon’s low notes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2024

"At the same time, our system reproduces the realistic haptics of touching a doorknob, enhancing the quality of the experience."

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2024

Implementing this seemingly menial task in the virtual world means recreating the haptics of grasping a doorknob whilst simultaneously preventing users from walking into actual walls in their surrounding areas.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2024

The trackpad offers customizable gesture controls, an edge-to-edge glass surface, and support for Apple’s Force Touch haptics.

From The Verge • Aug. 10, 2022

And while racing with the DualSense controller’s haptics firing off is certainly satisfying, no controller substitutes the satisfaction of playing with a proper wheel.

From The Verge • Jul. 29, 2022