HORRIPILATIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Horripilations, also referred to as piloerection or goosebumps, are a physiological response of the body characterized by the erection of hairs on the skin, resulting in a rough or bumpy appearance. This phenomenon occurs due to the contraction of the arrector pili muscles, which are attached to hair follicles. When these muscles contract, they cause the hairs to stand on end, producing a sensory reaction that can be felt and observed.
Horripilations are commonly experienced in response to various stimuli, including cold temperatures, fear, excitement, or strong emotions such as awe or nostalgia. They are often accompanied by a tingling or prickling sensation on the skin and can be seen as small bumps or raised follicles on the surface. The term "goosebumps" originates from the resemblance of these raised bumps to the skin of a plucked goose.
From an evolutionary standpoint, horripilation is believed to be a vestigial response inherited from our ancestors. In animals, this reflex serves as a defense mechanism to intimidate predators, making them appear larger and more threatening. Humans still experience horripilations as a remnant of this ancestral trait, although its purpose in modern humans is less obvious.
Overall, horripilations are a fascinating physiological response that occurs in various circumstances. It is a natural reflex triggered by the body as a response to different stimuli and remains a subject of ongoing scientific investigation.
Common Misspellings for HORRIPILATIONS
- horriplation
- horripilation
- gorripilations
- borripilations
- norripilations
- jorripilations
- uorripilations
- yorripilations
- hirripilations
- hkrripilations
- hlrripilations
- hprripilations
- h0rripilations
- h9rripilations
- hoeripilations
- hodripilations
- hofripilations
- hotripilations
- ho5ripilations
- ho4ripilations
Etymology of HORRIPILATIONS
The word "horripilations" is derived from the Latin word "horripilātiō", which is a noun form of the verb "horripilāre".
The Latin term "horripilāre" is a combination of two words: "horror" meaning "to tremble" or "to be frightened", and "pilus" meaning "hair". So when combined, "horripilāre" means "to cause the hair to stand on end", usually because of fear or a sudden chill.
The English term "horripilation" or "horripilations" refers to the physiological reaction of having the hairs on one's skin stand upright, usually due to fear, cold, or intense emotions.
Similar spelling words for HORRIPILATIONS
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