a. [ad. mod.L. *vibratilis: see VIBRATE v. + -ILE. Cf. F. vibratile.]
1. Of the nature of vibration; marked or characterized by vibration; vibratory.
1826. Kirby & Sp., Entomol., IV. xlvi. 301. Motion:… Vibratile,… when there is a constant oscillation of any part.
1857. Edin. Rev., July, 36. The effect is produced … by the propagation of alternating atomic polarisations in a vibratile way.
1862. H. W. Fuller, Dis. Lungs, 36. A body not possessed of much molecular elasticity or vibratile power.
1881. Mivart, Cat, 245. The vibratile, lashing action of the spermatozoon.
2. Of cilia, etc.: Endowed with the power of vibration; having a rapid and constant oscillatory movement.
1835–6. Todd’s Cycl. Anat., I. 108/2. Polygastrica,… aquatic animals,… with a circular exsertile dental apparatus around the mouth, and with vibratile cilia for respiration and progressive motion.
1874. Lubbock, Orig. & Met. Ins., iii. 55. This larva swims by means of minute vibratile hairs or ciliae.
1888. Rolleston & Jackson, Anim. Life, 861. The longer process is vibratile and breaks away; the other becomes vibratile as soon as it has absorbed the remaining protoplasm.
b. transf. Of persons, or parts of the body.
1858. O. W. Holmes, Aut. Breakf.-t., viii. (1883), 158. She [a woman] is vibratile and resonant all over.
1898. H. G. Wells, Personal Matters, 135. One has to resort to the extended arm and fingers vibratile.
