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Oscillation: meaning, definitions and examples

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oscillation

 

[ˌɒsɪˈleɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physics

The act or state of swinging back and forth with a regular rhythm.

Synonyms

swaying, swinging, vibration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oscillation

Use this term in a scientific or technical context to describe a regular back-and-forth motion over a period of time.

  • The oscillation of the pendulum was measured precisely.
  • The electrical oscillation in the circuit affected the signal strength.
vibration

Commonly used to describe a rapid back-and-forth movement, often small in amplitude and usually felt or measured more than seen, typically related to machinery or sounds.

  • The vibration from the washing machine was making the floor shake.
  • She could feel the vibration of the bass through the floor.
swinging

Perfect for describing a back-and-forth motion with a wider arc, often used for physical objects like swings or when people move with momentum.

  • The children were swinging on the playground swings.
  • He was swinging the golf club confidently.
swaying

Best for informal or everyday descriptions of gentle back-and-forth movements, such as those caused by wind or people.

  • The trees were swaying in the breeze.
  • She was swaying to the music.

Examples of usage

  • The oscillation of a pendulum
  • The oscillation of a vibrating guitar string
Context #2 | Noun

electronics

A rapid variation in the magnitude or direction of a signal.

Synonyms

fluctuation, ripple, variation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oscillation

Used often in physics and engineering to describe a regular back and forth movement. Often implies a predictable and repeating pattern.

  • The oscillation of the pendulum kept the clock running smoothly.
  • In electrical engineering, an oscillator circuit produces continuous oscillation.
fluctuation

Commonly used to describe changes that are less regular and predictable, especially in contexts like economics, weather, and other variable phenomena.

  • The fluctuation in stock prices makes it hard to predict future trends.
  • Temperature fluctuations can cause some materials to expand and contract.
variation

Describes a change or difference in condition, amount, or level, typically with respect to something that has a range of different outcomes.

  • There is a lot of variation in the sizes of apples from this orchard.
  • Musical themes often have variations that keep the piece interesting.
ripple

Often describes a small, gentle wave or undulation, usually on the surface of water. Can also be used metaphorically to describe minor effects that spread outward.

  • A single pebble caused ripples across the calm lake.
  • The news caused a ripple of excitement through the community.

Examples of usage

  • The oscillation of an electrical current
  • The oscillation of a radio wave
Context #3 | Noun

general

A change or movement between two points or states.

Synonyms

alternation, fluctuation, shifting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oscillation

Used when referring to regular, rhythmic movements or vibrations, often in a physical or scientific context.

  • The pendulum's oscillation was mesmerizing.
  • Electrical engineers often study the oscillation of circuits.
fluctuation

Appropriate when referring to irregular and unpredictable changes, often in value, level, or degree.

  • The stock market experienced significant fluctuation this week.
  • Weather patterns show considerable fluctuation in terms of temperature.
alternation

Best used to describe a situation where two things take turns or regularly switch from one to the other.

  • The alternation between day and night keeps our biological clocks in check.
  • This pattern shows an alternation of stripes in different colors.
shifting

Used for describing movements or changes that happen gradually or are in transition, often implying change in position or direction.

  • The shifting sands of the desert created new dunes overnight.
  • There is a shifting attitude towards environmental policies.

Examples of usage

  • The oscillation between joy and sadness
  • The oscillation between success and failure

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'oscillare', meaning 'to swing' or 'to sway'.
  • It was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe periodic motion.
  • Related words include 'oscillator', a device that creates oscillations.

Science

  • In physics, oscillation can refer to any repeating cycle, including sound waves and light waves.
  • Simple harmonic motion is a type of oscillation that creates a sinusoidal wave, which can describe many physical systems.
  • Tools like pendulums and springs are often used to demonstrate oscillatory behavior in classrooms.

Music

  • Oscillation is key in music, as sound waves oscillate to produce different pitches.
  • Vibrato, a technique used by singers and instrumentalists, relies on oscillation to add expressiveness to notes.
  • The oscillation of strings on a guitar creates musical tones that resonate in the air.

Psychology

  • Human emotions can oscillate between happiness and sadness, showcasing the natural fluctuations in feelings.
  • In cognitive science, oscillation is studied in brain wave patterns, revealing insights about mental states.
  • Mood oscillation is often observed in people with bipolar disorder, as they experience swings in mood.

Technology

  • Many electronic devices, such as radios and clocks, rely on oscillation for their circuits to function.
  • Oscillators are integral in creating signals for communication technologies like cell phones and wifi.
  • The concept of oscillation is applied in digital signal processing, allowing for clearer sound and image transmission.

Translations

Translations of the word "oscillation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oscilação

🇮🇳 दोलन

🇩🇪 Schwingung

🇮🇩 osilasi

🇺🇦 коливання

🇵🇱 oscylacja

🇯🇵 振動 (しんどう)

🇫🇷 oscillation

🇪🇸 oscilación

🇹🇷 salınım

🇰🇷 진동

🇸🇦 اهتزاز

🇨🇿 oscilace

🇸🇰 oscilácia

🇨🇳 振荡 (zhèndàng)

🇸🇮 nihanje

🇮🇸 sveifla

🇰🇿 тербеліс

🇬🇪 რხევა

🇦🇿 titrəmə

🇲🇽 oscilación

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,202, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.