vibratiuncle

English

Alternative forms

• vibratiuncula
• vibratiuncule

Etymology

From modern Latin vibratiuncula, diminutive form of Latin vibrātio (“vibration”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) enPR: vībrāshĭ.ŭngʹkl, IPA^(key): /vaɪbɹeɪʃɪˈʌŋkl/

Noun

vibratiuncle (plural vibratiuncles)

1. (now chiefly historical) A minuscule or slight vibration; specifically, a vibration in brain tissue caused by the comparatively greater vibrations of the particles of the medullary substance of the nerves (formerly hypothesised to convey external impressions to the mind). [from 18th c.]
   • 1749, David Hartley, Observations on Man, I.i:

     Diminutive Vibrations, which may also be called Vibratiuncles and Miniatures.

   • 2004, Robert E Schofield, The Enlightened Joseph Priestley, Pennsylvania State University, published 2004, page 57:

     Yet long after references to associationism all but ceased, neurophysiologists continue to explore variations of the “traces” or “vibratiuncles” that sensations might leave in the substance of the brain.

Derived terms

• vibratiunculation