Dictionary.com
definitions

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.

RELATED CONTENT

How much talking does your body do?The phrase “body language” or nonverbal communication often gets tossed around. From public speaking to a first date, our movements and facial expressions say a lot about our feelings and intentions. Now, as we enter into political debate season, politicians’ body language will be under just as much scrutiny as their remarks, and if the candidates aren’t careful, they might misspeak without saying a word. …
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

  1. kinescope,
  2. kineshma,
  3. kinesi-,
  4. kinesia,
  5. kinesiatrics,
  6. kinesiology,
  7. kinesioneurosis,
  8. kinesis,
  9. kinesitherapy,
  10. kinesthesia

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
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

kinesics

n.

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

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for kinesics

kinesics

[kə-nē′zĭks, kī-]

n.

The study of nonverbal bodily movements, such as gestures and facial expressions, as communication.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.