arrector pili muscle

arrector pi·li muscle

noun \-ˈpī-ˌlī-, -ˈpil-ē-\

Definition of ARRECTOR PILI MUSCLE

: one of the small fan-shaped smooth muscles associated with the base of each hair that contract when the body surface is chilled and erect the hairs, compress an oil gland above each muscle, and produce the appearance of goose bumps—called also erector pili muscle, pilomotor muscle