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Oscillator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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oscillator

[หˆษ’sษชหŒleษชtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

electronic device

An oscillator is an electronic device that generates a periodic oscillating electronic signal, often a sine wave or a square wave.

Synonyms

generator, source.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oscillator

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.
generator

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

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.

Examples of usage

  • The oscillator in the circuit produces a high-frequency signal.
  • Make sure the oscillator is tuned to the correct frequency.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

In physics, an oscillator is a system that shows some form of periodic behavior.

Synonyms

oscillatory system, vibrator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oscillator

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.

Examples of usage

  • The pendulum is a classic example of an oscillator.
  • Analog watches use a balance wheel as an oscillator.
Context #3 | Noun

biology

In biology, an oscillator refers to a biological clock that regulates periodic processes in living organisms.

Synonyms

biological clock, rhythm generator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oscillator

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.
biological clock

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.
rhythm generator

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.

Examples of usage

  • The circadian rhythm is controlled by an oscillator in the brain.
  • Plants have internal oscillators that respond to light and dark cycles.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Oscillators are crucial in generating signals in electronics, such as radio frequencies.
  • They play a vital role in many natural phenomena, like the vibrations of a guitar string, which create sound waves.
  • In quantum mechanics, oscillators help explain the behavior of particles and energy levels.

Technology

  • Quartz crystal oscillators are commonly used in watches and electronic devices for keeping accurate time.
  • Phase-locked loops (PLLs), which use oscillators, are essential in telecommunications for synchronizing signals.

Pop Culture

  • The visual representation of oscillation, such as sine waves, often appears in music and art, conveying rhythm and flow.
  • In the 2001 film 'A Beautiful Mind', the idea of oscillators is linked to the mathematics that influenced the storyโ€™s protagonist.

History

  • Early applications of oscillators can be traced back to the work of Galileo, who studied pendulum motion.
  • In the 20th century, the development of electronic oscillators contributed significantly to the advancement of radio technology.

Origin of 'oscillator'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'oscillator' comes from the Latin word 'oscillare', meaning 'to swing'.
  • Its modern usage in physics and engineering began in the late 19th century with the study of wave mechanics.

The term 'oscillator' originated from the Latin word 'oscillare', which means to swing or sway. The concept of oscillation has been studied across various scientific disciplines, including physics, electronics, and biology, leading to the development of different types of oscillators for diverse applications.

See also: oscillating, oscillations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,302, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.