vibratile

vibratile

The biologist observes the vibratile cilia under the microscope.

Definition

Adjective: vibratile describes something that is capable of or characterized by vibration; having the ability to move or oscillate rapidly back and forth.

Usage Examples
  • (These tiny hair-like projections vibrate to clear debris.)
  • (The antennae move rapidly to sense the environment.)
  • (An organ that vibrates, such as a flagellum.)
Advanced Usage
  • "vibratile organ": a specialized biological structure that vibrates, such as the flagellum of a protozoan or the cilia in epithelial cells.
    • The vibratile organ of the paramecium allows it to swim through water. (The vibrating structure propels the organism.)
  • "vibratile motion": movement characterized by rapid oscillation or trembling.
    • The vibratile motion of the tuning fork produces sound waves. (The back-and-forth movement generates sound.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Vibrate (verb): to move rapidly back and forth.
    • The phone vibrates when a message arrives. (It shakes or oscillates.)
  • Vibration (noun): the act or state of vibrating.
    • The vibration of the machine caused the table to shake. (The oscillatory movement.)
  • Vibratory (adjective): relating to or producing vibration (similar but less specific than vibratile).
    • The vibratory massage helped relax his muscles. (Involving vibration.)
Synonyms
  • Oscillating: moving back and forth in a regular rhythm.
  • Quivering: shaking with a slight rapid movement.
  • Tremulous: shaking or trembling, often with a slight motion.
Related Idioms
  • — the word is primarily technical and scientific.