What is the phenomenon called when you feel you know something but can't retrieve the specific word?

The phenomenon you are referring to is known as the Tip of the Tongue phenomenon. This occurs when an individual experiences a strong feeling of knowing that they have the information stored in their memory but are temporarily unable to access it. It often involves searching for a specific word or name and feeling a sense of frustration because the information is just out of reach, which can sometimes lead to vague recollections or partial retrieval.

This phenomenon highlights the complexities of memory retrieval processes and is a common experience for many people. It reflects how information can be stored in long-term memory but may not always be readily accessible, illustrating the distinction between knowing something and being able to retrieve it. The Tip of the Tongue phenomenon is distinct from issues such as amnesia, which involves significant memory loss, or recall failure, which generally pertains to the inability to remember information altogether.