psychosomatic

[ sahy-koh-suh-mat-ik, -soh- ]
/ ˌsaɪ koʊ səˈmæt ɪk, -soʊ- /

adjective

of or relating to a physical disorder that is caused by or notably influenced by emotional factors.
pertaining to or involving both the mind and the body.

Origin of psychosomatic

First recorded in 1860–65; psycho- + somatic

OTHER WORDS FROM psychosomatic

psy·cho·so·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for psychosomatic

British Dictionary definitions for psychosomatic

psychosomatic
/ (ˌsaɪkəʊsəˈmætɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to disorders, such as stomach ulcers, thought to be caused or aggravated by psychological factors such as stress

Medical definitions for psychosomatic

psychosomatic
[ sī′kō-sō-mătĭk ]

adj.

Of or relating to a disorder having physical symptoms but originating from mental or emotional causes.
Relating to or concerned with the influence of the mind on the body, especially with respect to disease.

Cultural definitions for psychosomatic

psychosomatic
[ (seye-koh-suh-mat-ik) ]

A descriptive term for the relationship between the mind and body.

notes for psychosomatic

“Psychosomatic” disorders have definite physical symptoms but are thought to be caused by emotional or psychological factors. Anorexia nervosa is an example of a psychosomatic illness.