oscillation

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tion ˌä-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the action or state of oscillating

stays can be effectively used to prevent oscillations in new bridges

—D. B. Steinman

2

: variation, fluctuation

famines due to excessive storminess and violent oscillations of rain and drought, heat and cold

—Ellsworth Huntington

3

: a flow of electricity changing periodically from a maximum to a minimum

especially : a flow periodically changing direction

4

: a single swing (as of an oscillating body) from one extreme limit to the other

Each oscillation of the pendulum represents one second.

oscillational

ˌä-sə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• change
• fluctuation
• flux
• inconstancy

Examples of oscillation in a Sentence

the continued oscillation of the fan

There has been oscillation between optimism and pessimism among voters.

Recent Examples on the Web

Another theory posits that the wiggling of Alfvén waves, oscillations in the Sun’s magnetic field that penetrate into the corona and turn back on themselves, can also inject energy into the solar wind. —Byhannah Richter, science.org, 31 Oct. 2024

The remote control has five buttons on it to control power, the timer, speed, oscillation, and the nighttime setting. —Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2024

These principles define a common purpose independent of political context and its frequent oscillations. —Robert Blum, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2024

With an oscillation feature that ensures even heat distribution and a remote control design for customization, this gadget keeps you toasty and cozy in your living space. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

oscillation

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tion ˌäs-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the action or state of oscillating : vibration

2

: variation sense 1, fluctuation

3

: a single swing (as of an oscillating body) from one extreme limit to the other

Medical Definition

oscillation

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tion ˌäs-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the action or state of oscillating

2

: a flow of electricity changing periodically from a maximum to a minimum

especially : a flow periodically changing direction