chromesthesia

9.9

A condition in which people see colors when they hear sounds

noun
/ˌkroʊməˈθiːziə/

Specialized

: cromestesia

For some people with chromesthesia, every musical note appears as a different color.

Examples

Many musicians with chromesthesia describe seeing vibrant colors while they play their instruments.
She experiences chromesthesia whenever she hears music.
Scientists have developed tests to measure the consistency of color associations in chromesthesia.
The artist described how her chromesthesia influences her choice of colors when painting.
Do you think chromesthesia is a common phenomenon?
Individuals with chromesthesia may perceive a specific shade of blue when they hear a certain sound.
Her chromesthesia makes concerts a unique experience, as she visualizes colors that accompany different melodies.

Synonyms

synesthesia

vschromesthesia

Specialized

4 9.9

A condition where one sense makes you feel another, for example seeing colors when hearing music

is the specific case involving colors evoked by nonvisual stimuli

colored audition

vschromesthesia

Specialized

9.9

A condition in which sounds make someone see colors

is broader and also triggered by other nonvisual stimuli

colored hearing

vschromesthesia

Specialized

9.9

An experience of seeing colors when you hear sounds, especially music

is broader and includes other nonvisual triggers beyond sound

Surface Forms

chromesthesia singular

chromesthesias plural

Morphology

chromesthesia = chroma (semi-transparent) = chroma + esthesia

The component 'chroma' (= colour) is clear, but '-esthesia' is a technical combining form meaning 'sensation' that learners may not know.

Etymology

The word chromesthesia comes from the Greek parts chroma 'color' and aisthesis 'feeling'. It literally means 'feeling color', which helps explain when sounds or other things make a person see or sense colors.