goose bump
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * Goose bump: A small, temporary, raised bump on a person's skin at the base of body hairs, caused by cold, fear, excitement, or other strong emotions. This is a reflex reaction where the muscles around hair follicles contract, making the hairs stand up.
Usage
The term "goose bump" (often pluralized as "goose bumps") is used to describe the physical reaction of the skin. It is typically the object of verbs like "get," "have," or "give." * The cold wind gave me goose bumps. * I always get goose bumps when I hear that song. * The scary story gave the children goose bumps.
Advanced Usage
- "to have goose bumps": To experience this skin reaction.
- She had goose bumps all over her arms during the speech.
- "to be covered in/goose bumps": To have many goose bumps.
- His skin was covered in goose bumps from the chill.
Variants and Related Words
- Gooseflesh (noun): A synonym for goose bumps, emphasizing the skin's resemblance to that of a plucked goose.
- Goose pimples (noun): Another common synonym for goose bumps.
- Horripilation (noun): The formal, medical term for the occurrence of goose bumps.
Synonyms
- Gooseflesh
- Goose pimples
- Horripilation (formal)
Idioms and Phrases
- "To give someone goose bumps": To cause someone to experience this reaction, often through something emotionally stirring, frightening, or beautiful.
- That performance was so powerful it gave me goose bumps.
Noun
- reflex erection of hairs of the skin in response to cold or emotional stress or skin irritation