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eidetic

adjective
ei·​det·​ic | \ ī-ˈde-tik How to pronounce eidetic (audio) \

Definition of eidetic

: marked by or involving extraordinarily accurate and vivid recall especially of visual images an eidetic memory
Other Words from eidetic Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about eidetic

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Other Words from eidetic

eidetically \ ī-​ˈde-​ti-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce eidetically (audio) \ adverb

Did You Know?

Eidetic is the technical adjective used to describe what we more commonly call a photographic memory. The word ultimately derives from the Greek noun eidos, meaning "form." The ability of certain individuals to recall images, sounds, or events with uncanny accuracy is a subject of fascination for researchers in the field of psychology. Among notable people who were reputed to have eidetic memories is the late television comic Jackie Gleason, who reportedly was able to memorize an entire half-hour script in a single read-through.

Examples of eidetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 If anything, my largest quibble with the show is that Lucy’s main skill as a historian seems to be having a near-eidetic memory of dates and names, when— let’s be real—memorizing dates is not actually what history is about. — Rachel Kaufman, Smithsonian, "Buckle Up, History Nerds — “Timeless” Is Back and As Usual, Gets the Facts Mostly Right," 12 Mar. 2018 If anything, my largest quibble with the show is that Lucy’s main skill as a historian seems to be having a near-eidetic memory of dates and names, when— let’s be real—memorizing dates is not actually what history is about. — Rachel Kaufman, Smithsonian, "Buckle Up, History Nerds — “Timeless” Is Back and As Usual, Gets the Facts Mostly Right," 12 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of eidetic

circa 1924, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for eidetic

Greek eidētikos of a form, from eidos form — more at wise

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More Definitions for eidetic

eidetic

adjective
ei·​det·​ic | \ ī-ˈdet-ik How to pronounce eidetic (audio) \

Medical Definition of eidetic

: marked by or involving extraordinarily accurate and vivid recall especially of visual images an eidetic memory

Other Words from eidetic

eidetically \ -​i-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce eidetically (audio) \ adverb

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