Definition

1. Noun:
   • An electronic instrument that displays a visual representation (waveform) of varying electrical signals over time: An oscilloscope is a device used to observe the precise wave shape of an electrical signal, showing voltage on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The engineer used an oscilloscope to diagnose the fault in the circuit by examining the signal's waveform.
  • In the physics lab, students learned how to measure frequency and amplitude using an oscilloscope.

Advanced Usage

• "to view on an oscilloscope": to observe a signal using this instrument.
  • The technician viewed the audio signal on the oscilloscope to check for distortion.

Variants and Related Words

• Oscilloscopic (adj): relating to or involving an oscilloscope.

  • The oscilloscopic display revealed the interference clearly.

• Cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO): a traditional type of oscilloscope using a cathode-ray tube.

  • The old laboratory still had a functioning cathode-ray oscilloscope.

Synonyms

• Waveform monitor: a device with a similar function, often used in video engineering.
• Scope (informal): a common shortened form in technical contexts.

Related Phrases

• Oscilloscope probe: the connecting cable and tip used to attach a signal source to the oscilloscope.

  • He attached the oscilloscope probe to the test point on the board.

• Digital storage oscilloscope (DSO): a modern type of oscilloscope that digitizes and stores the input signal.

  • The digital storage oscilloscope allowed them to capture and analyze the transient event.

Noun

1. electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities