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shiver1 definition

shiver (s̸hiv′ər)

noun

a fragment or splinter of something broken, as glass

Etymology: ME schievere, freq. formation < base of shive

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to break into many fragments or splinters; shatter

Etymology: ME schiveren

shiver2 definition

shiver (s̸hiv′ər)

intransitive verb

to shake, quiver, or tremble, as from fear or cold

Etymology: ME sheveren, altered < cheveren, altered < ? chivelen in same sense < OE ceafl, jaw (see jowl): prob. basic sense “to have chattering teeth”

transitive verb

to cause (a sail) to flutter by heading too close to the wind

noun

a shaking, quivering, or trembling, as from fear or cold
shiver Idioms

the shivers

a fit of shivering

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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