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Definition

noun

Unusual or pathological sensitivity of the skin to sensory stimuli, such as pain, heat, cold, or touch.

Supplement

A condition involving unusual sensitivity to sound is called auditory hyperesthesia whereas increased sensitivity to touch is called tactile hyperesthesia.

Word origin: gr. Aisthesis = sensation
Also spelled as: hyperaesthesia.
Related form(s): hyperesthetic (adjective)
Also called: oxyesthesia.
Synonym: algesia.
See also: sense organs, sensory, sensitivity.