HORRIPILATION Meaning and
Definition
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Horripilation, also known as goosebumps or piloerection, refers to the physiological response characterized by the bristling or erection of the hair follicles on the skin, resulting in the appearance of small raised bumps or ridges. This reaction is commonly triggered when individuals experience intense emotions such as fear, excitement, awe, or extreme cold. The term "horripilation" is derived from the Latin words "horripilāre," which means to shudder, and "pilus," which refers to hair.
During horripilation, the sympathetic nervous system initiates a response causing the little muscles attached to each hair follicle, known as arrector pili muscles, to contract. As a result, the hair stands on end, creating small bumps known as goosebumps. It is believed that this reaction is an evolutionary remnant of our primitive ancestors, who were covered in hair, to increase insulation when they were cold or frightened.
In addition to being associated with emotional states, horripilation can also occur as a result of certain physiological conditions like a sudden drop in body temperature, as a means of increasing warmth by trapping air close to the skin. Furthermore, some medical conditions can cause a chronic or excessive form of horripilation.
Overall, horripilation is a temporary and involuntary bodily response characterized by the erection of hair follicles, mostly triggered by intense emotions or a change in temperature. This phenomenon has fascinated scientists, psychologists, and poets alike, showcasing the interconnectedness of our mind and body.
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Goose-flesh, cutis anserina, the standing up of the small hairs over the body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The peculiar shuddering sensation, resulting chiefly from sudden fright or from horror, familiarly called "hair standing on end," or "curdling of the blood".
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HORRIPILATION
- gorripilation
- borripilation
- norripilation
- jorripilation
- uorripilation
- yorripilation
- hirripilation
- hkrripilation
- hlrripilation
- hprripilation
- h0rripilation
- h9rripilation
- hoeripilation
- hodripilation
- hofripilation
- hotripilation
- ho5ripilation
- ho4ripilation
- horeipilation
Etymology of HORRIPILATION
The word "horripilation" is derived from the Latin word "horripilare", which is a compound of two Latin words: "horrere" meaning "to tremble" or "to shudder", and "pilus" meaning "hair". Hence, "horripilation" is a combination of "horrere" and "pilus" and refers to the physiological response of involuntary hairs on the skin standing upright as a reaction to certain stimuli, such as cold, fear, or excitement.
Similar spelling word for HORRIPILATION
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