kinesics

[ki-nee-siks, -ziks, kahy-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR kinesics ON THESAURUS.COM

noun (used with a singular verb)

the study of body movements, gestures, facial expressions, etc., as a means of communication.

Origin of kinesics

1950–55; < Greek kī́nēs(is) (see kinesis) + -ics

Related formski·ne·sic, adjectiveki·ne·si·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for kinesics

gesture, nod, signal, sign, token, indication, action, reminder, expression, salute, curtsy, bow, motion, wink, intimation, genuflection, mime, wave, shrug, pantomime

British Dictionary definitions for kinesics

kinesics

noun

(functioning as singular) the study of the role of body movements, such as winking, shrugging, etc, in communication

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for kinesics

study of body language, 1952, from Greek kinesis "movement, motion" (see cite) + -ics. Related: kinesic.

kinesics in Medicine

kinesics

[kə-nē′zĭks, kī-]

n.

The study of nonverbal bodily movements, such as gestures and facial expressions, as communication.