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Definition of Mimesis
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Mimesis: Imitation or mimicry. Mimesis in medicine refers to the hysterical simulation of organic disease and to the imitation of one organic disease by another. Mimesis in aesthetic or artistic theory refers to the attempt to imitate or reproduce reality.
The word "mimesis" comes from the Greek verb "mimeisthai" meaning "to imitate" and from "mimos" meaning "mime." The English word "mime" also comes from "mimos" as do "mimic" and "mimicry."