Dictionary > Tactile sense

Tactile sense

Definition
noun
The sense of touch where contact, pressure or traction exerted on the skin as well as in some internal organs are recognized.
Supplement
The tactile sense is one of the five traditional senses of the body. It is recognized by the organs of touch which are found mainly in the skin. The sensitivity varies from one part of the skin to another, e.g. the highly sensitive areas are the tactile sense on the forehead, temples, and the back of the forearm (H. N. Martin). Tactile sense is focused mainly on sense of pressure, traction and touch, excluding temperature and pain.
Word origin: tactile: Latin tāctilis, from tāctus, (touch) + sense
Synonym(s):

See also:

  • somatosensory system
  • Related term(s):

    • tactile
    • tactition


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