psi (n.)

23rd letter of the Greek alphabet. Its use for "psychic force, paranormal phenomenon" dates from 1942 (probably from psychic (adj.)).

Entries linking to psi

psychic (adj.)

1872, "of or pertaining to the human soul" (earlier psychical, 1640s), from Greek psykhikos "of the soul, spirit, or mind" (opposed to somatikos), also (New Testament) "concerned with the life only, animal, natural," from psykhē "soul, mind, life" (see psyche).

The meaning "characterized by psychic gifts; pertaining to the class of extraordinary and obscure phenomena of the mind not usually treated by psychologists" (mind-reading, second sight, etc.) is attested from 1871.

psionic (adj.)

"of or pertaining to psi in the 'paranormal' sense," 1952, from psi + ending from electronic, etc. First attested in science fiction. Related: Psionics.

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updated on January 01, 2021

Dictionary entries near psi

pseudonymous

pseudopod

pseudo-science

pseudo-scientific

pshaw

psi

psilanthropism

psilo-

psilocybin

psilosis

psionic