horripilation

n.

The bristling of the body hair, as from fear or cold; goose bumps.

[Late Latin horripilātiō, horripilātiōn-, from Latin horripilātus, past participle of horripilāre, to bristle with hairs : horrēre, to tremble + pilāre, to grow hair (from pilus, hair).]

horripilate hor·rip'i·late' v.

(hô-rĭp'ə-lā'shən, hŏ-)
n.

The bristling of body hair, as from cold; goose bumps.

the erection of the hair of the head or body from fear or cold

IN BRIEF: n. - Reflex erection of hairs of the skin in response to cold or emotional stress or skin irritation.

Tutor's tip: This word was used in the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals.

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The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: reflex erection of hairs of the skin in response to cold or emotional stress or skin irritation
  Synonyms: pilomotor reflex, gooseflesh, goose bump, goose pimple, goose skin

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