tremulous
[trem-yuh-luhs]
adjective
(of persons, the body, etc.) characterized by trembling, as from fear, nervousness, or weakness.
timid; timorous; fearful.
(of things) vibratory, shaking, or quivering.
(of writing) done with a trembling hand.
Origin of tremulous
1605–15; < Latin tremulus, equivalent to trem(ere) to tremble + -ulus adj. suffix
Synonyms for tremulous
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for tremulous
quivering, shaky, wobbly, shivery, palpitating, quavering, shivering, trembling, cowardly, fearful, jittery, nervous, shy, timorous, excited, shaking, timid, wavering, aquiver, aspenExamples from the Web for tremulous
Contemporary Examples of tremulous
This year that tremulous feeling of going to the airport became different.
That tremulous “uhhhh,” which lasted more than a full second, gave the game away.
Rather than risk creating a “tremulous” signature, Lincoln instead commenced massaging his giant hands together.
Historical Examples of tremulous
The aged philosopher endeavoured to speak, but his voice was tremulous with emotion.
PhilotheaLydia Maria Child
The bridge was tremulous beneath me, and marked the tremor of the solid earth.
Other Tales and SketchesNathaniel Hawthorne
"It was my father's sword," replied Theseus, with a tremulous voice.
Tanglewood TalesNathaniel Hawthorne
In the first place, Marcia's tremulous state made it difficult.
The Coryston FamilyMrs. Humphry Ward
He was feeble, and his hands were tremulous with a perpetual nervous motion.
Henry DunbarM. E. Braddon
tremulous
adjective
Word Origin for tremulous
C17: from Latin tremulus quivering, from tremere to shake
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
tremulous
[trĕm′yə-ləs]
adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.