Question

read the passage.
synesthesia: mixed - up senses
we generally think of our senses as having completely separate functions. after all, we cant see with our ears or taste with our eyes. this is a logical fact, the word synesthesia, derived from greek, literally means \sensations together\. in this combining of senses causes interesting sensory experiences. for example, some synesthetes (people who experience synesthesia) imagine tasting a particular flavor whenever they hear a certain sound. others \hear\ a sound in their minds whenever they touch a certain object. the most common types of synesthesia involve colors. in one common subtype, for instance, synesthetes associate different colors with different letters of the alphabet. typically, synesthetes are not bothered by their synesthesia; in fact, many enjoy it.
what is the main, or central, idea of the passage?
people with synesthesia experience a fusing of different senses.

Explanation:

The passage introduces synesthesia, defines it as the conflation of senses, gives its Greek origin, provides examples of synesthetic experiences, notes common subtypes, and states synesthetes often enjoy this condition. The central idea is the nature of synesthesia as a mixing of sensory experiences.

Answer:

The main, central idea of the passage is that synesthesia is a condition where the senses are conflated or mixed together, creating combined sensory experiences, and it is often an enjoyable experience for those who have it.