proprioception

noun

pro·​pri·​o·​cep·​tion ˌprō-prē-ō-ˈsep-shən 

: the reception of stimuli produced within the organism

Examples of proprioception in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With age also come changes in vision, neuromuscular response and proprioception, or spatial awareness of the body, all of which impact balance. —Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026

The robot can also navigate uneven terrain using proprioception alone, without relying on visual sensors. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026

The tiny hairs in the ears start to deteriorate in people’s 40s, and the receptors used for proprioception also can become less efficient with age. —Erin Allday, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Mar. 2026

In terms of rehab and recovery, Vasireddy says the starting point is always a focus on joint range of motion, followed by proprioception (joint balance) and then strengthening. —Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

proprio(ceptive) + -ception (in reception)

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for proprioception

• apperception
• contraception
• interception
• misconception
• misperception
• preconception
• conception
• deception
• exception
• inception
• perception
• reception

Medical Definition

proprioception

noun

pro·​prio·​cep·​tion ˌprō-prē-ō-ˈsep-shən 

: the reception of stimuli produced within the organism