jitter

Everyday

1. (informal) The jitters are a nervous, shaky feeling, especially before something important. tree →
2. To jitter is to make small, quick, shaky movements. tree →
3. (computing) Jitter is small, unwanted wobbles in a signal or picture, or in the timing of data. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday: «pre-match jitters», «first-day jitters», «exam jitters». Science and computing: jitter in a video or a game connection. It tells the reader someone is nervous or something is shaking.

Examples

• I had the jitters before my piano exam. tree →
• First-day jitters are normal at a new school. tree →
• The picture on the screen began to jitter. tree →
• Too much fizzy drink gives him the jitters. tree →
• The online game lagged because of jitter. tree →
• Her hands jittered as she held the trophy. tree →

Note

Usually «the jitters» (plural, informal). Adjective: jittery (nervous). Regular verb.