haptics

[ hap-tiks ]
/ ˈhæp tɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb)

the branch of psychology that investigates sensory data and sensation derived from the sense of touch and localized on the skin.
Digital Technology. the study or use of tactile sensations and the sense of touch as a method of interacting with computers and electronic devices: Haptics allows you to feel and manipulate digitized objects in a virtual 3D environment.

Origin of haptics

First recorded in 1890–95; see origin at haptic; -ics

OTHER WORDS FROM haptics

hap·tic, hap·ti·cal, adjective

Words nearby haptics

hapsburg lip, hapsburgs, hapten, hapteron, haptic, haptics, haptoglobin, haptometer, haptotropism, hapu, hapuka

Definition for haptics (2 of 2)

haptic
[ hap-tik ]
/ ˈhæp tɪk /

adjective Sometimes hap·ti·cal.

of or relating to the sense of touch: the haptic sensation of holding a real book in your hands.
Digital Technology. of or relating to tactile sensations and the sense of touch as a method of interacting with computers and electronic devices: smartphones that incorporate haptic feedback; haptic technology.

noun

Usually haptics. Digital Technology.
  1. a vibration or other tactile sensation received from a computer or electronic device: You can save power by adjusting the haptics and brightness of your phone.
  2. an input or output device that senses the body's movements by means of physical contact with the user: joysticks and other haptics.

Origin of haptic

1860–70; < Greek haptikós ‘able to grasp or perceive,’ equivalent to háp(tein) ‘to grasp, sense, perceive’ + -tikos -tic

British Dictionary definitions for haptics

haptic
/ (ˈhæptɪk) /

adjective

relating to or based on the sense of touch

Word Origin for haptic

C19: from Greek, from haptein to touch

Medical definitions for haptics (1 of 2)

haptics
[ hăp′tĭks ]

n.

The science that deals with the sense of touch.

Medical definitions for haptics (2 of 2)

haptic
[ hăp′tĭk ]

adj.

Of or relating to the sense of touch; tactile.