Reflex erection of hairs of the skin in response to cold or emotional stress or skin irritation

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. reflex erection of hairs of the skin in response to cold or emotional stress or skin irritation [syn: pilomotor reflex , gooseflesh , goose bump , goose pimple , goose skin ]

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
from Late Latin horripilationem (nominative horripilatio ), noun of action from past participle stem of horripilare , from stem of horrere "to bristle" (see horror ) + pilus "hair" (see pile (n.3)).

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Horripilation \Hor*rip`i*la"tion\, n. [L. horripilatio, fr. horripilare to bristle; horrere to bristle + pilus the hair: cf. F. horripilation.] (Med.) A real or fancied bristling of the hair of the head or body, resulting from disease, terror, chilliness, ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. A real or fancied bristling of the hair of the head or body, resulting from disease, terror, chilliness, etc.