Definition: Psychedelic
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ψυχή (psukhḗ, “mind, soulâ€) + δῆλος (dêlos, “manifest, visibleâ€) + -ic. Coined by English psychiatrist Humphry Osmond in 1956 in a letter to Aldous Huxley.
Adjective
psychedelic (comparative more psychedelic, superlative most psychedelic)
- Of, containing or generating hallucinations, distortions of perception, altered awareness, etc.
- (of graphics, etc.) Having bright colors, abstract shapes, etc. reminiscent of drug-induced hallucinations or distortions of perception.
Derived terms
Noun
psychedelic (plural psychedelics)
- Any psychoactive substance (such as LSD or Psilocybin) which, when consumed, causes perceptual changes (sometimes erratic and uncontrollable), visual hallucination, and altered awareness of the body and mind.
Related terms
- psychedelia
Credits
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