visceral

[ vis-er-uhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the viscera.
2. affecting the viscera.
3. of the nature of or resembling viscera.
4. characterized by or proceeding from instinct rather than intellect:

   a visceral reaction.

5. characterized by or dealing with coarse or base emotions; earthy; crude:

   a visceral literary style.

visceral

/ ˈvɪsərəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affecting the viscera
2. characterized by intuition or instinct rather than intellect

Derived Forms

• ˈviscerally, adverb

Other Words From

• viscer·al·ly adverb
• non·viscer·al adjective
• un·viscer·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of visceral¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Medieval Latin viscerālis, equivalent to viscer(a) ( viscera ) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

Her signature style included “tactile, visceral” audience interaction.

From Salon

It is also why President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law this week – the first to happen in 45 years and during democratic rule - was particularly triggering and prompted such a visceral response.

From BBC

The findings revealed that higher levels of visceral fat were related to increased amyloid, accounting for 77% of the effect of high BMI on amyloid accumulation.

From Science Daily

A "visceral and direct" conversation about life and death, as one MP put it.

From BBC

Perhaps more than an actor raised outside of Belfast, Petticrew was able to understand on a visceral level what compelled Dolours to commit acts of terrorism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ingrained
• innate
• intuitive