Esthesiometer

/ɛsˌθiːziːˈɑmətər/ noun

Definition

A medical instrument that measures the sensitivity of the skin or how well a person can feel touch and sensation.

Etymology

From Greek 'aisthesis' (sensation) + 'meter' (measure). Developed in 19th-century medicine to objectively test sensory function.

Kelly Says

Doctors use esthesiometers to find out if you've lost sensation in your fingers or feet—they're basically the 'feeling thermometer' that reveals when nerves stop working right!

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