Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.
Unknown. The Century Dictionary suggests possibly a corruption of cribble (“sieve”).
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| tribbles | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| treble | alternative | lexicographic |
Probably invented for alliteration with trouble; the creatures first appeared in an episode called "The Trouble with Tribbles".
Scales have proliferated like tribbles in quadra-triticale: just intonations, equal temperaments, scales based on overtones, scales generated from a single interval or pair of intervals, scales without octaves, scales arising from arcane mathematical formulas, scales that reflect cosmological or religious structures, scales that "come from the heart."1998, William A. Sethares, Tuning, Timbre, Spectrum, Scale, page 49:
They were like tribbles, multiplying by the dozens, cackling, giggling their maniacal joy at the game.2010, Dakota Cassidy, chapter 19, in Accidentally Demonic:
They breed like tribbles, but at least they’re not terrestrial.2015, Zanzibar 7. Schwarzenegger, Veneri Verbum, page 19:
The Hyper-Producing Playwrights of Edmondton: Or Why Alberta’s Capital Breeds New Plays Like Tribbles.2008, Robin C. Whittaker, editor, Hot Thespian Action!, page 569:
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| tribbles | Number=Plur | lexicographic |