Relating to the ability to distinguish fine sensations like precise temperature or light touch (contrasting with protopathic sensations).
From Greek 'epi-' (upon) + 'kritikos' (able to judge, discern). A neurological term for refined sensory perception.
Your epicritic sense lets you feel the exact spot where a mosquito lands on your arm, while your protopathic sense just registers 'ouch'—they use different nerve pathways, which is why some nerve damage causes weird numb-but-painful feelings.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.