cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈni-shən 

: cognitive mental processes

A concussion impaired the patient's cognition.

also : a product of these processes

cognitional

käg-ˈnish-nəl 

-ˈni-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of cognition in a Sentence

disabilities affecting cognition and judgment

Recent Examples on the Web

The first is the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that’s involved in executive function and cognition. —Brenda Goodman, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024

Different people respond differently sometimes to similar types of food, but foods that generally help with cognition include things like: olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids, so healthy fats. —Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2024

But even a cursory glance around the natural world suggests why Russell may be wrong: No words are needed for animals to perform all sorts of problem-solving challenges that demonstrate high-level cognition. —Gary Stix, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2024

Efficacy of Withania somnifera supplementation on adult’s cognition and mood Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. —Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cognicioun "comprehension, ability to comprehend," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French cognicion "knowledge, jurisdiction," borrowed from Latin cognitiōn-, cognitiō "act of getting to know, comprehension, investigation," from cogni-, variant stem of cognōscere "to get to know, acquire knowledge of, become acquainted with, investigate" (from co- co- + gnōscere, nōscere "to get to know," inchoative derivative from Indo-European *ǵneh₃-, *ǵṇh₃- "to know, recognize") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at know entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən 

: the act or process of knowing

Medical Definition

cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən 

1

: cognitive mental processes

2

: a conscious intellectual act

conflict between cognitions