Cryptaesthesia

/ˌkrɪp.tə.ɛsˈθi.ʒə/ noun

Definition

A supposed paranormal ability to perceive things outside normal sensory awareness, like telepathy or clairvoyance.

Etymology

From Greek 'kryptos' (hidden) + 'aesthesia' (sensation/perception), literally meaning 'hidden sensation,' coined in early 20th-century parapsychology.

Kelly Says

Scientists studying cryptaesthesia in the 1930s-50s ran some of history's first rigorous experiments on ESP—their methods were so influential they basically invented modern statistical psychology, even though they never proved psychic powers exist.

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