How Do You Spell FORMICATION?

Pronunciation: [fˌɔːmɪkˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

The word "formication" is spelled with the letter combination "-m-i-c-a-t-i-o-n," and is pronounced as /fɔːmɪˈkeɪʃən/. The word describes the sensation of insects crawling or tickling on the skin, and is often associated with drug abuse or certain medical conditions. The spelling of "formication" is related to its Latin root "formica," which means "ant." Despite its unusual spelling and relatively obscure usage, "formication" continues to be recognized and used by medical professionals and those with specific symptoms.

FORMICATION Meaning and Definition

1. Formication is a sensory phenomenon characterized by the perception of insects or crawling sensations on or under the skin, without any actual presence of pests. Derived from the Latin word "formica" meaning "ant," formication often manifests as a tingling, itching, or crawling feeling that tends to occur on various parts of the body. Despite being commonly associated with bug infestations, formication is typically a symptom of an underlying health condition or a side effect of medication.

   This anomalous sensation can be caused by several factors, including drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, menopause, anxiety disorders, nerve damage, diabetes, and disorders such as peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Moreover, formication can also be a manifestation of psychiatric conditions like delusional parasitosis, which is characterized by a persistent belief of having skin infestations.

   Although formication can be distressing and uncomfortable, treatment generally focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may involve discontinuing the use of certain medications, managing the physical or mental health condition that is causing the sensation, or implementing lifestyle changes such as reducing stress levels. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to alleviate the sensations associated with formication.

   In conclusion, formication refers to the abnormal perception of insects or crawling sensations on or beneath the skin. It is usually a symptom of an underlying condition, necessitating medical attention to identify and address the root cause.

2. A form of paresthesia in which there is a sensation as of ants running over the skin.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. A sensation resembling that caused by ants creeping on the skin.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for FORMICATION

• dormication
• cormication
• vormication
• gormication
• tormication
• rormication
• firmication
• fkrmication
• flrmication
• fprmication
• f0rmication
• f9rmication
• foemication
• fodmication
• fofmication
• fotmication
• fo5mication
• fo4mication
• fornication

Etymology of FORMICATION

The word "formication" traces its origins to the Latin term "formicare", which means "to crawl like ants". It comes from the noun "formica", meaning "ant". In medical parlance, "formication" refers to the abnormal sensation of insects or ants crawling on or under the skin. This condition can be a symptom of various medical conditions, such as neuropathy or drug intoxication.

Similar spelling words for FORMICATION

• Formica Rufa,
• formicary,
• formicariidae,
• formicate,
• formicarius,
• fornicator,
• fornication,
• Formica Fusca,
• fornicate,
• formic acid.

Plural form of FORMICATION is FORMICATIONS