modality

[moh-dal-i-tee]

noun

plural

modalities 

1. the quality or state of being modal.

2. an attribute or circumstance that denotes mode or manner.

3. Also called mode. Logic.,  the classification of propositions according to whether they are contingently true or false, possible, impossible, or necessary.

4. Medicine/Medical.,  the application of a therapeutic agent, usually a physical therapeutic agent.

5. one of the primary forms of sensation, as vision or touch.

Other Word Forms

• multimodality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of modality¹

From the Medieval Latin word modālitās, dating back to 1610–20. See modal, -ity

Example Sentences

Reiki for humans is a Japanese energy-healing modality that, practitioners say, aids relaxation, pain relief and overall health by realigning the body’s energy centers, or “chakras.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Tent dwelling is no longer the typical modality of homeless life in Los Angeles,” said lead author Louis Abramson.

From Los Angeles Times

With that said, I think we can speak about resonances and modalities.

From Salon

So I didn’t know that this was an available modality to me.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m worried people could be deterred from seeking out those alternative health modalities,” Mathur said.

From Los Angeles Times