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
D. B. Steinman2
: variation, fluctuation
famines due to excessive storminess and violent oscillations of rain and drought, heat and cold—Ellsworth Huntington
Ellsworth Huntington3
: 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.
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
This escapement delivers two direct impulses to the balance with each oscillation, ensuring efficiency and a 72-hour power reserve.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
For example, complex analysis is used to manipulate wavelets, or small oscillations in data.
—William Ross, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2025
Visit settings to control the child lock and oscillation, change the temperature unit, and mute the control panel beeps.
—PCMAG, 24 Feb. 2025
The graceful oscillations of manta fins propagate waves that move outward from the ray’s body and create vortices that spiral, pushing water backward and producing forward thrust.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
For example, complex analysis is used to manipulate wavelets, or small oscillations in data.
—William Ross, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2025
Visit settings to control the child lock and oscillation, change the temperature unit, and mute the control panel beeps.
—PCMAG, 24 Feb. 2025
The graceful oscillations of manta fins propagate waves that move outward from the ray’s body and create vortices that spiral, pushing water backward and producing forward thrust.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Cite this Entry
“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oscillation. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oscillation
noun
os·cil·la·tion
ˌäs-ə-ˈlā-shən
1
: the action or state of oscillating : vibration
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
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