vibratiuncle
nounUK /vaɪbɹeɪʃɪˈʌŋkl/
Etymology From modern Latin vibratiuncula, diminutive form of Latin vibrātio (“vibration”).
1
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).
- Diminutive Vibrations, which may also be called Vibratiuncles and Miniatures.1749, David Hartley, Observations on Man, I.i:
- 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.2004, Robert E Schofield, The Enlightened Joseph Priestley, Pennsylvania State University, published 2004, page 57:
- Derived terms
- vibratiunculation