tingle

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to feel or cause a slight prickling, stinging, or vibrating sensation

   Her fingers began to tingle after several minutes in the cold.

2. 2
   noun

   a slight prickling sensation or a sudden thrill of excitement, fear, or pleasure

   A tingle of anticipation ran through him as the curtain rose.

From Middle English tinglen, of uncertain origin. It may be related to ting or tinkle, words imitating a light ringing sound. The sensory meaning likely developed from the comparison between a fine vibration or ringing and a prickling feeling in the body.

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