Definition

Relating to sensations or responses that come from outside the body, such as touch, sight, or sound.

Example

The exteroceptive senses help us understand our environment by detecting external stimuli.

Conversation

Did you know that our senses are exteroceptive in nature?

Yeah, they help us interact with the world around us.

Exactly! I find it fascinating how we respond to external stimuli.

It really is amazing how our body picks up on so many things!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Exteroceptive → It is formed from "extero-" (from Latin "exterus", meaning external or outside) and "ceptive" (from Latin "capere", meaning to seize or take). The word refers to the ability to perceive stimuli from outside the body.

Memory Tip

Think of 'external' ('extero-') stimuli that are 'taken in' ('ceptive') by the senses — that's what exteroceptive means.

Visually Confused Words