mirror neuron

a type of cell in the brains of certain animals (including humans) that responds in the same way to a given action (e.g., grasping an object) whether the animal performs the action itself or sees another animal (not necessarily of the same species) perform the action. This phenomenon is known as mirror imaging. [named and described by 21st-century Russian-born Italian neurologist Giacomo Rizzolati]

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Psychology term of the day

February 1st 2025

abiotrophy

n. loss of function or loss of resistance to a disease through degeneration or failure of body tissues, organs, or systems. Abiotrophy is used particularly to refer to premature degeneration caused by a genetic defect, as in Huntington’s disease. —abiotrophic adj.