vibratiuncle

plural vibratiuncles · alternative vibratiuncula · alternative vibratiuncule

1. historicalA 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).First known use 18th c.

   Diminutive Vibrations, which may also be called Vibratiuncles and Miniatures.

   1749, David Hartley, Observations on Man, I.i

   1 more example

   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