noun
- the automatic bristling or standing up of body hair, typically in response to cold, fear, or strong emotion
Usage: also called goosebumps or gooseflesh; physiological response controlled by the sympathetic nervous system
Examples
- When she heard the scary noise, piloerection covered her arms.
- The cold water triggered piloerection on his skin.
- Fear caused visible piloerection as the student waited for exam results.
- Piloerection is a natural response that many mammals experience when threatened.
- The emotional music gave her piloerection down her spine.