psychosomatic

[ sahy-koh-suh-mat-ik, -soh- ]

adjective

of or relating to a physical disorder that is caused by or notably influenced by emotional factors.
pertaining to or involving both the mind and the body.

Origin of psychosomatic

First recorded in 1860–65; psycho- + somatic

Other words from psychosomatic

psy·cho·so·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for psychosomatic

psychosomatic

/ (ˌsaɪkəʊsəˈmætɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to disorders, such as stomach ulcers, thought to be caused or aggravated by psychological factors such as stress

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

Cultural definitions for psychosomatic

psychosomatic

[ (seye-koh-suh-mat-ik) ]

A descriptive term for the relationship between the mind and body.

Notes for psychosomatic

“Psychosomatic” disorders have definite physical symptoms but are thought to be caused by emotional or psychological factors. Anorexia nervosa is an example of a psychosomatic illness.

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