somatic

adjective

so·​mat·​ic sō-ˈma-tik How to pronounce somatic (audio)
sə-
Synonyms of somatic
1
: of, relating to, or affecting the body especially as distinguished from the germplasm
2
: of or relating to the wall of the body : parietal
somatically
sō-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce somatic (audio)
sə-
adverb

Synonyms of somatic

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Examples of somatic in a Sentence

a somatic disorder that was once thought to be “all in the patient's head”
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.
And even for those who are just ordinarily stressed, being around horses can be calming and restorative — part of a somatic healing approach, which focuses on how the body holds on to emotions. — Ondine Cohane, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Wearables Are Driving Sleep Health News in 2026 The somatic movement is running parallel to a surge in sleep tracking. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 The study did not test broader lifestyle interventions such as somatic exercises, and researchers stress that more work is needed to determine whether improving sleep can actually reduce hemorrhoid risk or severity. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Emmy Brunner’s residential retreats combine hypnosis and somatic practice. — Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for somatic

Word History

Etymology

Greek sōmatikos, from sōmat-, sōma

First Known Use

circa 1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of somatic was circa 1775

Phrases Containing somatic

Rhymes for somatic

See All Rhymes for somatic

Browse Nearby Words

Somateria
somatic
somatically
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Cite this Entry

“Somatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/somatic. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

somatic

adjective
so·​mat·​ic sō-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce somatic (audio)
sə-
: of, relating to, or affecting the body especially as compared to the mind or the tissue producing the germ cells

Medical Definition

somatic

adjective
so·​mat·​ic sō-ˈmat-ik, sə- How to pronounce somatic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or affecting the body especially as distinguished from the germplasm : physical
b
: of, relating to, supplying, or involving skeletal muscles
the somatic nervous system
a somatic reflex
2
: of or relating to the wall of the body as distinguished from the viscera : parietal
somatically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce somatic (audio)
adverb
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