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telekinesis

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tel⋅e⋅ki⋅ne⋅sis

[tel-i-ki-nee-sis, -kahy-]

Origin:
1885–90; tele- 1 + -kinesis


tel⋅e⋅ki⋅net⋅ic [tel-i-ki-net-ik, -kahy-] , adjective

psy⋅cho⋅ki⋅ne⋅sis

[sahy-koh-ki-nee-sis, -kahy-]
–noun
the purported ability to move or deform inanimate objects, as metal spoons, through mental processes.
Also called telekinesis.


Origin:
1910–15; psycho- + -kinesis


psy⋅cho⋅ki⋅net⋅ic [sahy-koh-ki-net-ik, -kahy-] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To telekinesis
tel·e·ki·ne·sis   (těl'ĭ-kə-nē'sĭs, -kī-)   
n.  The movement of objects by scientifically inexplicable means, as by the exercise of an occult power.
tel'e·ki·net'ic (-nět'ĭk) adj., tel'e·ki·net'i·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

telekinesis 
1890, said to have been coined by Alexander N. Aksakof (1832-1903) Imperial Councilor to the Czar, in Mod.L., lit. "motion at a distance," from tele- + Gk. kinesis "movement, motion," from PIE base *kei- "to move to and fro" (see cite). Translates Ger. Fernwirkung.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: psy·cho·ki·ne·sis
Pronunciation: -k&-'nE-s&s, -kI-
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural psy·cho·ki·ne·ses /-"sEz/
: movement of physical objects by the mind without use of physical means called also PK; —compare PRECOGNITION, TELEKINESISpsy·cho·ki·net·ic /-'net-ik/ adjective

Main Entry: tele·ki·ne·sis
Pronunciation: "tel-&-k&-'nE-s&s, -kI-
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural tele·ki·ne·ses /-"sEz/
: the apparent production of motion in objects (as by a spiritualistic medium) without contact or other physical means—compare PRECOGNITION, PSYCHOKINESIStele·ki·net·ic /-'net-ik/ adjectivetele·ki·net·i·cal·ly /-i-k(&-)lE/ adverb
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

psychokinesis psy·cho·ki·ne·sis (sī'kō-kĭ-nē'sĭs, -kī-)
n. pl. psy·cho·ki·ne·ses (-sēz)
Abbr. PK

  1. An uncontrolled, maniacal outburst, resulting from defective inhibition.

  2. The production or control of motion, especially in inanimate and remote objects, purportedly by the exercise of psychic powers.


psy'cho·ki·net'ic (-kĭ-nět'ĭk, -kī-) adj.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Encyclopedia

telekinesis

in parapsychology, the action of mind on matter, in which objects are caused to move or change as a result of mental concentration upon them. The physical nature of psychokinetic (PK) effects contrasts with the cognitive quality of extrasensory perception (ESP), the other major grouping of parapsychological phenomena. Levitation is said to result from powers of psychokinesis; such displays are common, though fraudulent, in theatrical magic. In PK tests, the subject attempts by thinking or willing to influence thrown dice, causing a certain die face to turn up or causing the die to land in a certain area. Experimental results, as with other parapsychological phenomena, have been inconclusive.

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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