parapsychology

noun

para·​psy·​chol·​o·​gy ˌper-ə-(ˌ)sī-ˈkä-lə-jē How to pronounce parapsychology (audio)
ˌpa-rə-
Synonyms of parapsychologynext
: a field of study concerned with the investigation of evidence for paranormal psychological phenomena (such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis)
parapsychological
ˌper-ə-ˌsī-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce parapsychology (audio)
ˌpa-rə-
adjective
parapsychologist
ˌper-ə-(ˌ)sī-ˈkä-lə-jist How to pronounce parapsychology (audio)
ˌpa-rə-
noun

Examples of parapsychology 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.
The idea that the Soviets were investing money in parapsychology quickly became a self-reinforcing justification for the Americans to do the same. — IEEE Spectrum, 21 Mar. 2017 The University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies is one of the most prominent parapsychology research units in the world. — Saskia Solomon, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parapsychology was in 1925

Rhymes for parapsychology

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parapsychical
parapsychology
parapterum
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Cite this Entry

“Parapsychology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parapsychology. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

parapsychology

noun
para·​psy·​chol·​o·​gy ˌpar-ə-(ˌ)sī-ˈkäl-ə-jē How to pronounce parapsychology (audio)
plural parapsychologies
: a field of study concerned with the investigation of evidence for paranormal psychological phenomena (as telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis)

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