tremor

American  

[trem-er, tree-mer] / ˈtrɛm ər, ˈtri mər /

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.

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tremor British  

/ 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 called: earth tremor.  a minor earthquake

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verb

1. (intr) to tremble

tremor Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• tremorless adjective
• tremorous adjective

Etymology

Origin of tremor

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

Example Sentences

Studying these deep tremors could provide new clues about the crust mantle boundary and the behavior of the upper mantle, which generates volcanic magma and helps drive tectonic plate motion.

From Science Daily

This breakdown leads to the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson's, including tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowed motion.

From Science Daily

He had developed a tremor in his hands and had trouble holding a camera still.

From The Wall Street Journal

Patients with Parkinson's, who often experience constipation decades before tremors begin, were found to have higher levels of these mucus-degrading bacteria.

From Science Daily

As this molten rock pushed upward, it fractured surrounding rock layers, triggering thousands of earthquakes and tremors.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• earthquake
• shiver
• upheaval
• vibration