Haptometer

/hæpˈtɑːmɪtər/ noun

Definition

An instrument that measures the sensitivity of the sense of touch or tactile perception in humans.

Etymology

From Greek 'haptein' meaning 'to touch' combined with 'meter' from Greek 'metron' meaning 'measure.' A scientific instrument named for what it measures.

Kelly Says

Neurologists use haptometers to test whether patients have lost sensation due to nerve damage—they can pinpoint exactly where and how much touch sensitivity is impaired, which helps diagnose conditions like diabetic neuropathy.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.