osc
i
lla
tion
Plural
oscillations
1
(physics) the back-and-forth motion of an object between two end points
- Pendulums have proven useful for studying simple harmonic oscillation and modeling more complex periodic motions in dynamic systems.
- Musical instruments produce unique tones through oscillations within resonant acoustic cavities that reinforce particular vibration modes.
- Gravitationally bound binary star systems undergo regular orbital oscillations as the pair revolve around their mutual center of mass.
Synonyms:
2
the act or process of repeatedly shifting between different states, conditions, or opinions
- His mood showed constant oscillation between confidence and doubt.
- The market's oscillation between gains and losses worried investors.
- Political opinions often undergo oscillation over time.
- The patient's condition showed oscillation between improvement and relapse.
- The country's policies reflected oscillation between reform and tradition.
3
a single complete cycle or movement in a periodically repeating process
- One oscillation of the pendulum takes two seconds.
- The machine records each oscillation of the vibrating string.
- The tuning fork produces hundreds of oscillations per second.
- A full oscillation includes movement in both directions.
- The technician counted ten oscillations before stopping the timer.
Synonyms: