Definition

1. Noun:
   • A system that resonates: A resonator is any physical system or object that naturally oscillates at specific frequencies when excited.
   • An electrical circuit for oscillation: In electronics, a resonator is a circuit containing both capacitance (C) and inductance (L) designed so that an electrical oscillation reaches its maximum strength at a particular frequency.
   • A hollow chamber for waves: A resonator is an enclosed space or cavity whose size and shape allow sound waves or electromagnetic waves (like microwaves) to build up to a strong vibration at certain resonant frequencies.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The guitar's body acts as a resonator, amplifying the sound of the strings.
  • The engineer designed a quartz crystal resonator to control the clock's frequency precisely.
  • In the laboratory, they used a microwave resonator to conduct the experiment.

Advanced Usage

• "Cavity resonator": A specific type of resonator that is a hollow, enclosed space used to resonate electromagnetic waves, common in microwave technology and lasers.

  • The klystron tube uses a cavity resonator to generate radio waves.

• "Helmholtz resonator": A specific acoustic resonator consisting of a rigid container with a small opening, used to amplify or absorb specific sound frequencies.

  • The bottle acts as a Helmholtz resonator when you blow across its top.

Variants and Related Words

• Resonate (verb): To produce or be filled with a deep, full, reverberating sound; to correspond harmoniously.
  • The speaker's message resonated with the audience.
• Resonance (noun): The quality of being resonant; the reinforcement or prolongation of sound or other waves by reflection or synchronous vibration.
  • The resonance of the bell could be heard throughout the valley.
• Resonant (adjective): (of sound) deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring; serving to bring out or intensify.
  • He spoke in a low, resonant voice.

Synonyms

• Oscillator: A device or system for generating oscillating electric currents or waves.
• Cavity: A hollow space, which can function as a resonator.
• Sound box: A hollow structure used to resonate sound, especially in musical instruments.

Related Phrases

• To set up a resonance: To cause a system to begin resonating.
  • The singer's high note set up a resonance in the crystal glass.
• In resonance with: Oscillating in harmony or at the same frequency as something else.
  • The tuning fork was in resonance with the vibrating string.

Noun

1. any system that resonates
2. an electrical circuit that combines capacitance and inductance in such a way that a periodic electric oscillation will reach maximum amplitude
3. a hollow chamber whose dimensions allow the resonant oscillation of electromagnetic or acoustic waves