definitions

psychosomatic

[ sahy-koh-suh-mat-ik, -soh- ]
/ ˌsaɪ koʊ səˈmæt ɪk, -soʊ- /
|

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.

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Nearby words

psychosexual development, psychosexual dysfunction, psychosis, psychosocial, psychosociology, psychosomatic, psychosomatic disorder, psychosomatic medicine, psychosomimetic, psychostimulant, psychosurgery

Origin of psychosomatic

First recorded in 1860–65; psycho- + somatic

Related forms

psy·cho·so·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for psychosomatic

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

Medicine definitions for psychosomatic

psychosomatic

[ sī′kō-sō-măt′ĭk ]

adj.

Of or relating to a disorder having physical symptoms but originating from mental or emotional causes.
Relating to or concerned with the influence of the mind on the body, especially with respect to disease.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Culture definitions for psychosomatic

psychosomatic

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

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

Note

“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.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.