The spelling of the phrase "special sense" is quite straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The first word, "special," is spelled /ˈspɛʃəl/ in IPA, with emphasis on the first syllable. The second word, "sense," is spelled /sɛns/, with a short vowel sound in the first syllable and emphasis on the second. Together, the two words form a phrase that describes a heightened or unique perception of the world, often used in medical or scientific contexts.
The term "special sense" refers to one of the sensory systems that humans possess, responsible for perceiving and interpreting specific types of stimuli from the surrounding environment. It encompasses five primary senses: sight (vision), hearing (audition), taste (gustation), smell (olfaction), and touch (somatosensation). These senses are considered 'special' because they are specialized to detect particular types of stimuli and are crucial for humans' overall perception and understanding of the world.
The special sense of vision enables individuals to perceive their surroundings by detecting and interpreting light through the eyes. Hearing allows individuals to perceive and comprehend sounds, allowing for communication and response to auditory stimuli. Taste is responsible for detecting different flavors and textures, providing individuals with the ability to enjoy and identify different types of food and drink. The sense of smell enables individuals to detect and differentiate various scents, influencing taste, memory, and emotional responses. Lastly, the sense of touch allows individuals to perceive physical sensations such as pressure, temperature, and pain, aiding in spatial awareness, object recognition, and overall sensory experience.
These special senses rely on specific sensory organs, specialized receptors, and neural pathways to transmit information to the brain, where it is processed and interpreted. The integration and coordination of these senses contribute to an individual's perception, understanding, and interaction with their environment.
One of the five senses related to the organs of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "special sense" doesn't have a specific etymology on its own. However, to provide some context, the word "special" comes from the Latin word "specialis", meaning "particular" or "individual". It eventually entered English through Old French. Similarly, "sense" comes from the Latin word "sensus", which refers to perception or feeling. So, when combined, "special sense" typically refers to a specific or distinct perception in the context of sensory organs or systems in the human body.