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An instrument, proposed by Edison, for greatly intensifying speech. It consists of a phonograph diaphragm so arranged that its action opens and closes valves, producing synchronous air blasts sufficient to operate a larger diaphragm with greater amplitude of vibration.

Perception by the senses; feeling; -- the opposite of anæsthesia.

An instrument to measure the degree of sensation, by determining at how short a distance two impressions upon the skin can be distinguished, and thus to determine whether the condition of tactile sensibility is normal or altered.

Sensuous perception. [R.] Ruskin.

Conveying sensory or afferent impulses; -- said of nerves.

The science of sensation in relation to nervous action. H. Spenser.

To afflict with, or perish from, hunger. [Obs.] Spenser.

To frighten. [Obs.] Spenser.

To make a show of; to put on a pretense of; to feign; to assume; as, to affect ignorance. Careless she is with artful care, Affecting to seem unaffected. Congreve. Thou dost affect my manners. Shak.

tude, etc. ; the malevolent affections, hatred, envy, etc.; inclination; disposition; propensity; tendency. Affection is applicable to an unpleasant as well as a pleasant state of the mind, when impressed by any object or quality. Cogan.

rt or organ; -- opposed to efferent; as, afferent vessels; afferent nerves, which convey sensations from the external organs to the brain.

olemnly promise (one's self or another) in marriage. To me, sad maid, he was affianced. Spenser.

That attraction which takes place, at an insensible distance, between the heterogeneous particles of bodies, and unites them to form chemical compounds; chemism; chemical or elective affinity or attraction.

ix or fasten figuratively; -- with on or upon; as, eyes affixed upon the ground. [Obs.] Spenser.

grievously; to torment. They did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. Exod. i. 11. That which was the worst now least afflicts me. Milton.

A fortress; a fortification for defense. [Obs.] Bailey.

To strike, or strike down. [Obs.] Spenser.

Alarm; terror; fright. [Obs.] Spenser.

Affray. [Obs.] Spenser.

A furious onset or attack. [Obs.] Spenser.