Definition

1. Noun:

   • An involuntary shaking or trembling movement: A tremor is a slight, often uncontrollable shaking, typically caused by physical weakness, emotional stress, or a medical condition.
   • A minor earthquake: A tremor is a small seismic event, a vibration of the earth's surface.
   • A quivering or vibrating sensation: A tremor can refer to a slight quiver, as in a voice or a leaf.

2. Verb:

   • To shake or vibrate: To tremor means to shake with a slight, rapid motion, often used in a geological context.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • A slight tremor in his hands betrayed his nervousness.
  • The region experienced a minor earth tremor last night.
  • There was a tremor in her voice as she delivered the sad news.

• Verb:

  • The ground began to tremor as the heavy machinery passed. (This usage is less common than the noun form.)

Advanced Usage

• "Essential tremor": A common neurological disorder causing involuntary and rhythmic shaking, often in the hands.

  • His essential tremor makes writing difficult.

• "Intention tremor": A type of shaking that occurs during purposeful movement, often associated with neurological conditions.

  • The patient's intention tremor was most noticeable when she tried to touch her nose.

Variants and Related Words

• Tremulous (adj): Shaking or quivering slightly.

  • She answered in a tremulous voice.

• Tremble (v/n): To shake involuntarily, typically from fear, excitement, or weakness. It is a close synonym but often implies a cause like cold or emotion.

  • He began to tremble with fear.

Synonyms

• Quiver: A slight trembling movement.
• Shudder: An involuntary tremor, often from fear, cold, or revulsion.
• Vibration: A rapid back-and-forth motion.

Related Phrases

• Tremor of excitement: A slight shake caused by eager anticipation.

  • A tremor of excitement ran through the crowd.

• Tremor zone: An area prone to seismic activity.

  • The city is built in a known tremor zone.

Noun

1. shaking or trembling (usually resulting from weakness or stress or disease)
2. a small earthquake
3. an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)

Verb

1. shake with seismic vibrations
   • The earth was quaking