GOOSEBUMP Meaning and
Definition
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Goosebump refers to a temporary condition in which the skin becomes covered by small raised bumps, resembling the skin of a plucked goose. Also known as gooseflesh, horripilation, or piloerection, this physiological response is triggered by certain stimuli, often related to strong emotions, fear, excitement, or cold temperatures. The term "goosebump" originates from the visual similarity of the raised bumps to the bumps on the body of a plucked goose.
The biological mechanism behind goosebumps involves the contraction of tiny muscles called arrector pili, which are connected to hair follicles on the skin. When we experience certain emotions or stimuli, the release of adrenaline or stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system causes the arrector pili muscles to contract, pulling the hair follicles upright. This elevation of the hair follicles, in turn, creates the appearance of raised bumps on the skin's surface.
Goosebumps often occur as a response to intense emotional experiences, such as fear, anticipation, or awe-inspiring moments. They can also be induced by particular musical passages, chilling stories, or thrilling scenes in movies. Additionally, exposure to cold environments or sudden changes in temperature can elicit goosebumps as a means of conserving body heat.
Although goosebumps are generally harmless and temporary, they serve as a fascinating physiological response linked to our evolutionary past as mammals. Today, the term "goosebump" is commonly used metaphorically to describe an intense emotional or thrilling sensation, emphasizing the impact an event or experience has on someone.
Common Misspellings for GOOSEBUMP
- goosebumps
- foosebump
- voosebump
- boosebump
- hoosebump
- yoosebump
- toosebump
- giosebump
- gkosebump
- glosebump
- gposebump
- g0osebump
- g9osebump
- goisebump
- goksebump
- golsebump
- gopsebump
- go0sebump
- go9sebump
- gooaebump
Etymology of GOOSEBUMP
The word "goosebump" is derived from the combination of two words: "goose" and "bump".
The word "goose" comes from Middle English "goos" or Old English "gōs", which ultimately originated from a West Germanic root, "ganso". This root word is cognate with other Germanic languages like German "Gans" and Dutch "gans". The similarity between the small raised bumps on the skin and the impression of a plucked goose's skin is said to be the reason behind the choice of "goose" in the term.
The word "bump" is derived from Middle English "bumpen", which meant "to strike" or "to collide". This word can be traced back to West Germanic roots, specifically Old English "bumbian" and Old High German "bumpen".
Similar spelling words for GOOSEBUMP
