oscillation
- Noun:
- A single complete execution of a periodically repeated phenomenon: The act of moving or swinging back and forth in a regular rhythm. This can refer to physical movement or to a recurring process.
- (Physics) A regular periodic variation in value about a mean: A repeated fluctuation in a measurable quantity, such as voltage or position, around a central or average value.
- The process of oscillating between states: The act of wavering or vacillating between different opinions, choices, or conditions.
- Noun:
- The gentle oscillation of the pendulum was hypnotic. (This describes its regular swinging motion.)
- In electronics, we measure the frequency of an electrical oscillation. (This refers to a periodic variation in current or voltage.)
- Her constant oscillation between optimism and pessimism was exhausting. (This describes wavering between two mental states.)
"Damped oscillation": An oscillation that decreases in amplitude over time due to energy loss.
- The door's swing was a damped oscillation, gradually coming to a stop.
"Forced oscillation": An oscillation maintained by an external periodic force.
- The bridge experienced forced oscillations from the rhythmic marching of the soldiers.
Oscillate (verb): To swing or move back and forth regularly; to vary between opposing beliefs or feelings.
- The fan oscillates to cool the entire room.
- He tends to oscillate between confidence and doubt.
Oscillator (noun): A device or system that produces oscillations.
- A quartz crystal is a common oscillator in watches.
Oscillatory (adjective): Having the nature of or characterized by oscillation.
- The device exhibited an oscillatory motion.
- Swinging: Moving back and forth.
- Vibration: Rapid oscillation.
- Fluctuation: An irregular rising and falling, often used for values or states.
- Vacillation: Wavering in decision or opinion.
Period of oscillation: The time taken for one complete cycle of oscillation.
- The period of oscillation for this pendulum is exactly two seconds.
Amplitude of oscillation: The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium.
- Increasing the energy increased the amplitude of the oscillation.
To be in oscillation: To be in a state of regular back-and-forth movement or variation.
- The market has been in constant oscillation for weeks.
To set into oscillation: To cause something to begin swinging or vibrating.
- A gentle push set the chandelier into oscillation.
- a single complete execution of a periodically repeated phenomenon
- a year constitutes a cycle of the seasons
- (physics) a regular periodic variation in value about a mean
- the process of oscillating between states