proprioceptive

adjective

pro·​pri·​o·​cep·​tive ˌprō-prē-ō-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce proprioceptive (audio)
: of, relating to, or being stimuli arising within the organism
a proprioceptive sensation
proprioceptive feedback

Examples of proprioceptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Balance is crucial for staying upright and involves visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems. — Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 This property allows rapid proprioceptive probing of objects. — IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2022 When your visual signals, vestibular signals and proprioceptive signals stop agreeing with one another, that is, in the ancestral environment, almost certain evidence of poisoning. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 7 June 2026 Drawing inspiration from the human hand’s intricate design and proprioceptive capabilities, this study aims to enhance the dexterity of robotic hands, particularly in multi-degree-of-freedom (DoF) motion and posture perception. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proprioceptive

Word History

Etymology

Latin proprius "one's own" + -o- + English -ceptive (in receptive) — more at proper entry 1

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proprioceptive was in 1906

Rhymes for proprioceptive

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Proprioceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proprioceptive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

proprioceptive

adjective
pro·​prio·​cep·​tive -ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce proprioceptive (audio)
: activated by, relating to, or being stimuli arising within the organism
proprioceptive feedback
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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