tremulous

[trem-yuh-luh s] /ˈtrɛm yə ləs/
adjective
1.
(of persons, the body, etc.) characterized by trembling, as from fear, nervousness, or weakness.
2.
timid; timorous; fearful.
3.
(of things) vibratory, shaking, or quivering.
4.
(of writing) done with a trembling hand.
Origin
1605-15; < Latin tremulus, equivalent to trem(ere) to tremble + -ulus adj. suffix
Related forms
tremulously, adverb
tremulousness, noun
untremulous, adjective
untremulously, adverb
untremulousness, noun
Synonyms
1. faltering, hesitant, wavering. 2. frightened; afraid.
Examples from the web for tremulous
  • The tremulous surface of the orchestra music is deceptively calm, allowing the vocal lines to dominate.
  • And in striving for pathos, her singing sometimes turned breathy and tremulous.
  • And she describes her tremulous, but definite, steps toward the future.
British Dictionary definitions for tremulous

tremulous

/ˈtrɛmjʊləs/
adjective
1.
vibrating slightly; quavering; trembling: a tremulous voice
2.
showing or characterized by fear, anxiety, excitement, etc
Derived Forms
tremulously, adverb
tremulousness, noun
Word Origin
C17: from Latin tremulus quivering, from tremere to shake
Word Origin and History for tremulous
adj.

1610s, from Latin tremulus "shaking, quivering," from tremere (see tremble).

tremulous in Medicine

tremulous trem·u·lous (trěm'yə-ləs)
adj.
Characterized by tremor.

trem'u·lous·ness n.