Meaning & use
piloerection
Last updated
The involuntary bristling of body hair caused by cold, fear, or strong emotion; goosebumps.
See it in a sentence
The horror film's climax triggered piloerection across the back of his neck.
Piloerection in cats is often a sign of fear or aggression, making their fur stand on end.
A note on using this word
A precise physiological term used in biology and medicine; 'goosebumps' is the everyday equivalent.
Words with a similar meaning
goosebumps
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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