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contrast detector

1. any of the retinal ganglion cells that are sensitive to contrast (i.e., light–dark borders). See also feature detector.

2. any structure, neural or theoretical, that is sensitive to contrast.

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Psychology term of the day

March 17th 2025

mantra

mantra

n.

1. in Hinduism and Buddhism, a sacred utterance, such as a syllable, phrase, or hymn (often in Sanskrit).

2. any verbal formula used for spiritual, religious, or meditative purposes to help block out extraneous thoughts and induce a state of relaxation that enables the individual to reach a deeper level of consciousness. See also concentrative meditation; transcendental meditation. Compare yantra.