adjective
-
of or relating to the soma
somatic cells
-
of or relating to an animal body or body wall as distinct from the viscera, limbs, and head
-
of or relating to the human body as distinct from the mind
a somatic disease
-
Relating to the body.
-
◆ The cells of the body with the exception of the reproductive cells (gametes) are known as somatic cells.
-
See Note at mitosis
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of somatic
1765–75; < Greek sōmatikós of, pertaining to the body, equivalent to sōmat- somat- + -ikos -ic
Explanation
Somatic is a fancy word that just means dealing with the body. You may be tired of hearing your great-grandfather's somatic complaints, but give him a break — his body has been working for 80 years! Soma comes from a word meaning "body" in Greek, so somatic means "of the body" and is most often used in connection with one's health. You may be more familiar with the related word, psychosomatic, which describes a physical condition or illness caused by the mind rather than a virus or a sprain. If you don't want to go to school so much that you begin to feel sick, that is psychosomatic. But sometimes, your somatic symptoms mean you really do have a cold!
Vocabulary lists containing somatic
100 SAT words Beginning with "S"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Articles on Benefits of Technology
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Challenge, List 12
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Other studies show that somatic practices can help with motor control and flexibility.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
A 2025 pilot study found that directed somatic movement interventions helped improve body awareness and spine mobility in older adults.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
The results showed that listening to music with ABS significantly reduced both cognitive and somatic symptoms of anxiety compared with the pink noise control.
From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026
In addition to personal training, Hughes and gym co-owner Arjen van Eijmeren offer stand-alone somatic experiencing sessions through the Strength Shoppe.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2026
Between somatic cells and reproductive cells Weismann places a gulf that cannot be bridged.
From The Biological Problem of To-day Preformation Or Epigenesis? The Basis of a Theory of Organic Development by Hertwig, Oscar
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
