oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈä-sə-ˌlā-tər 

1

: one that oscillates

2

: a device for producing alternating current

especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

Examples of oscillator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This occurs when the two breadth oscillators, which had spread far apart in recent weeks, come back within 200 points of each other.. —Moneyshow, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

This limited edition of just 18 pieces offers an ultra-lightweight construction from the titanium case and bezel to the silicon balance wheel and oscillator. —Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025

Subsequent experiments recorded in the lab book tested the performance of all the main parts of Delilah—the pulse modulator, the harmonic analyzer, the key generator, the signal and oscillator circuits, and the radio frequency and aerial circuits. —IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2025

The stochastic oscillator is pointing lower with room to oversold territory, and a new MACD ‘sell’ signal increases the possibility of a test of support as geopolitical tensions foster more selling pressure. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oscillator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər 

1

: one that oscillates

2

: a device for producing alternating current

especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

Medical Definition

oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər 

: a device or mechanism for producing or controlling oscillations

especially : one (as a radio-frequency generator) for producing an alternating current