Oscillator: meaning, definitions and examples

An oscillator is typically used in electronics and physics to describe a circuit or device that generates a repetitive waveform, like a sine wave or square wave.

• The engineer used an oscillator to generate the signal for the test.
• Modern clocks work with a quartz crystal oscillator to maintain accurate time.

A generator is usually used to refer to a machine or device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It can also refer to something that produces something in a broader sense.

• During the power outage, we relied on a diesel generator to keep the lights on.
• The random number generator is commonly used in cryptographic applications.

Source generally refers to the origin of something, whether it be information, energy, or materials. It's a broad term used in many fields.

• The river is the source of fresh water for the community.
• The professor asked us to cite our sources in the research paper.

Typically used in electronics and physics to describe a device that produces a repeating signal or wave, often in the context of circuits or signal generation.

• The engineer used an oscillator to generate a stable frequency for the radio transmission.
• The oscillator in the circuit ensures a consistent timing for the electronic pulses.

Used in physics and engineering to describe a device or system that produces a repetitive, oscillating motion or signal.

• The engineer used an oscillator to generate the radio frequencies.
• He adjusted the oscillator to achieve the desired wave pattern.

Refers to the internal mechanism in organisms that controls the regular rhythms and cycles, such as sleep and wake cycles, often mentioned in biology and health-related discussions.

• Traveling across time zones can disrupt your biological clock.
• Her biological clock told her it was time to sleep even though it was still light outside.

Typically used in music and neuroscience to define devices or systems that create rhythmic patterns or signals.

• The musician experimented with the new rhythm generator to create unique beats.
• Neuroscientists study how the brain's rhythm generators affect movement and coordination.