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

Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder best known for causing tremors, stiffness, slow movement and poor balance, also causes cognitive symptoms that can progress to Parkinson's dementia.

From Science Daily

About 1 in 150 people will experience more severe symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis, according to the World Health Organization.

From Los Angeles Times

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

A black widow bite is “medically important,” Vetter said, and can cause swelling where the fangs clamped down, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, tremors and sweating.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• earthquake
• shiver
• upheaval
• vibration