What does tremor mean?
A tremor is a shaking or quivering movement, most often an involuntary one affecting the hands, voice, head, or another part of the body. In medical contexts, the word refers to rhythmic movements that may be associated with conditions such as essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease, although a tremor can also result from fear, fatigue, cold, or the consumption of caffeine or alcohol. As a verb, “tremor” means to shake or quiver and is less common than “tremble,” which can suggest a more general or emotional movement. The word is also used for slight vibrations in or near the ground. Its long history and broad range of applications make it useful both for describing an observable movement and for naming a specific physical or neurological phenomenon.
An involuntary, often rhythmic shaking of the body or one of its parts; also, more broadly, a slight shaking or vibration.
"The medication reduced the tremor in her hands."
In medical usage, “tremor” denotes a particular movement pattern and is distinguished from other involuntary movements.
To shake or quiver, especially slightly or involuntarily.
"The metal pole trembled in the wind."
The verb is relatively uncommon in everyday speech and is often replaced by “tremble” or “shake.”
The plural is used for separate shaking movements or for distinct clinical conditions or manifestations.
"The neurologist asked whether the tremors had worsened during the night."
From the Latin tremere, meaning “to shake,” tremor shares its ancient root with words such as tremulous and the musical technique tremolo.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tremor come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin tremere, meaning “to shake.” Latin also supplied related forms built on derivatives such as tremulus, “trembling,” from which English “tremulous” developed. The Italian musical term tremolo and its English borrowing likewise ultimately relate to the same Latin root.
How tremor is actually used
Tremor is neutral in register but is especially common in medical, neurological, and scientific contexts. It often denotes a more distinct or rhythmic movement than the general word “shaking.”
Easily confused with tremor
A tremor usually refers to an involuntary, often rhythmic shaking of the body or a body part, whereas tremble is broader and can describe shaking caused by fear, cold, emotion, or age.
Temblor is a less common spelling of the same word, especially in some regional and scientific contexts.