eidetic
/aɪˈdɛtɪk/
adjective
Origin
Ancient Greek
εἶδος — form, image, figure
Overview
Meaning Now
- Relating to or denoting vivid mental images, as if actually visible.
- Relating to or possessing an extraordinary ability to recall images with high precision.
Literal older meaning
pertaining to form or image
Language path
Ancient Greek → English
Earliest form
eidetic
Earliest period
1920s
Journey
The term was popularized in the early 20th century by German psychologist Erich Jaensch to describe 'eidetic imagery'—a phenomenon where individuals could retain highly detailed visual memories for a short period after seeing an object. It is distinct from 'photographic memory', a term often used colloquially and controversially.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
εἶδος
“form, shape, appearance”
- Ancient Greek
εἰδετικός
“pertaining to images”
Derivative of εἶδος
- 1924, English
eidetic
“relating to vivid mental imagery”
Introduced in the context of developmental psychology
Connections
Word parts
eid-
root
form/image
-etic
suffix
pertaining to
Related across languages
Ancient Greek
εἴδωλον
image, phantom, idol
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.