tremor

[ trem-er, tree-mer ]

noun

1. involuntary shaking of the body or limbs, as from disease, fear, weakness, or excitement; a fit of trembling.

   Synonyms: quiver, shiver, shudder

2. any tremulous or vibratory movement; vibration:

   tremors following an earthquake.

3. a trembling or quivering effect, as of light.

   Synonyms: oscillation

4. a quavering sound, as of the voice.

tremor

/ ˈtrɛmə /

noun

1. an involuntary shudder or vibration, as from illness, fear, shock, etc
2. any trembling or quivering movement
3. a vibrating or trembling effect, as of sound or light
4. Also calledearth tremor a minor earthquake

verb

1. intr to tremble

tremor

/ trĕm′ər /

1. A relatively minor seismic shaking or vibrating movement. Tremors often precede larger earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
2. An involuntary shaking or trembling of the head or extremities that can be idiopathic or associated with any of various medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease.

Derived Forms

• ˈtremorous, adjective
• ˈtremorless, adjective

Other Words From

• tremor·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tremor¹

1325–75; Middle English < Latin: a trembling, equivalent to trem ( ere ) to tremble + -or -or ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tremor¹

C14: from Latin: a shaking, from tremere to tremble, quake

Example Sentences

OK … “A day passed, and the slow tremor still reverberated.”

From Slate

In the event of a tremor, monstrous concrete pillars penetrate deep into the bedrock to keep the building and essential infrastructure grounded.

From Los Angeles Times

The quake jostled cameras and jolted the structure, giving anyone who has experienced a tremor conflicting sensations of wonderment and disorder.

From Los Angeles Times

Currently, people with Parkinson's are treated with dopamine replacement therapy after they have already developed symptoms, such as tremor, slowness of movement and gait, and memory problems.

From Science Daily

Tremor was shown to improve with stimulation of tracts connected to the primary motor cortex and cerebellum, while bradykinesia was associated with the supplementary motor cortex.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• earthquake
• shiver
• upheaval
• vibration