proxemics
noun
prox·e·mics präk-ˈsē-miks 
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: the study of the nature, degree, and effect of the spatial separation individuals naturally maintain (as in various social and interpersonal situations) and of how this separation relates to environmental and cultural factors
proxemic
präk-ˈsē-mik
adjective 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Giusti says much of the research is based on proxemics, the study of how people use space around them to mediate social interactions. 
Julian Chokkattu, Wired, 1 Mar. 2022 March’s program will also educate the viewer about the benefits of kinesics (body movement in nonverbal communication), proxemics (proper body spacing in communication), and haptics (the study of touching in nonverbal communication). Hank Beckman, chicagotribune.com, 28 Feb. 2022 Kasper studies proxemics, the science of how much space people need between each other to feel comfortable. Steven Litt, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2020
Julian Chokkattu, Wired, 1 Mar. 2022 March’s program will also educate the viewer about the benefits of kinesics (body movement in nonverbal communication), proxemics (proper body spacing in communication), and haptics (the study of touching in nonverbal communication). Hank Beckman, chicagotribune.com, 28 Feb. 2022 Kasper studies proxemics, the science of how much space people need between each other to feel comfortable. Steven Litt, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2020 Word History
Etymology
proximity + -emics (as in phonemics)
First Known Use
1963, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
proxemics
noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
prox·e·mics präk-ˈsē-miks
: the study of the nature, degree, and effect of the spatial separation individuals naturally maintain (as in various social and interpersonal situations) and of how this separation relates to environmental and cultural factors