tactile
tactile Lexical Profile
tactile Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Of, relating to, or connected with the sense of touch; perceptible by touch.
"The museum's interactive exhibit features tactile displays so visitors can feel the textures of different geological specimens."
Designed to be perceived by touch, or having a pleasing texture that invites touching.
"Pedestrian crossings are equipped with tactile paving to alert visually impaired people to the edge of the sidewalk."
British Habitually touching other people as a way of expressing warmth or affection.
"His family was always warm and tactile, greeting everyone with enthusiastic hugs."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'tactile' (relating to the physical sense of touch) with 'tactful' (showing social sensitivity and diplomacy when dealing with others), even though both share the same Latin root meaning 'to touch'.
• Rhymes for tactile
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from French 'tactile' or directly from Latin 'tactilis' ('that may be touched, tangible'), from 'tactus', the past participle of 'tangere' ('to touch').