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nociceptive

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //noʊsɪˈsɛptɪv//

KK: /nəʊsɪˈsɛptɪv/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the process of sensing or responding to pain or harmful stimuli.


Example

The nociceptive response is crucial for protecting the body from injury.


Conversation
Sloth A
I read that some pain is actually nociceptive and helps us react quickly.
Sloth B
Yeah, I heard that too; it’s our body’s way of protecting us.
Sloth A
Exactly! It’s interesting how our nerves work to detect those nociceptive signals.
Sloth B
For sure! It makes me appreciate how our body responds to potential harm.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
painful
sensitive
reactive
Antonyms
insensitive
numb
painless
Root Explanation

Nociceptive → It is formed from "nocere" (meaning to harm or hurt) and "cept" (from "capere", meaning to seize or take). The word "nociceptive" refers to the sensory process of detecting harmful stimuli, thus relating to the perception of pain.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nocere' meaning to harm, and 'cept' meaning to seize — nociceptive relates to the process of seizing or sensing harm.

Visually Confused Words
inceptive
acceptive
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