Definition

Noun: - A temporary condition where the skin develops small bumps, typically due to cold, strong emotion, or irritation: This is a physiological reflex where the hairs on the skin stand erect, causing the skin's surface to resemble that of a plucked bird. It is synonymous with "goosebumps" or "goose pimples."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The eerie sound of the wind gave me goose skin.
  • Stepping out of the warm shower into the cold air instantly caused goose skin.

Advanced Usage

• "to get/goose skin": to experience this physiological reaction.
  • I always get goose skin when I listen to that powerful piece of music.
• "covered in goose skin": describing the state of having this reaction over much of the body.
  • The shocking news left her covered in goose skin.

Variants and Related Words

• Goosebumps (n): The most common synonym for goose skin.
• Goose pimples (n): Another common synonym.
• Cutis anserina (n): The technical medical term for this condition.
• Horripilation (n): A formal term for the bristling of hairs, often used in literary or scientific contexts.

Synonyms

• Goosebumps
• Goose pimples
• Horripilation (formal)

Related Phrases

• To have one's hair stand on end: An idiom describing a reaction of fear or awe that can cause goose skin.
  • The ghost story was so frightening it made my hair stand on end.
• Chills running down one's spine: An idiom for a shivering sensation, often emotional, associated with getting goose skin.
  • The singer's voice was so beautiful it sent chills down my spine.

Noun

1. reflex erection of hairs of the skin in response to cold or emotional stress or skin irritation