oscilloscope
3 synonyms for oscilloscope, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An instrument that displays a visual graph of one or more changing voltages or currents on a screen.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
oscillograph
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How to use oscilloscope
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
digital oscilloscope
connect an oscilloscope
oscilloscope screen
read an oscilloscope
It is a technical term mostly used in electronics and physics rather than everyday speech.
Etymology
The word joins the combining form oscillo-, referring to oscillation, with -scope, the element used for viewing instruments. Together they describe a device built for viewing oscillating signals.
Full origin of oscilloscope →Frequently asked questions
What is an oscilloscope used for?
It is used to display how a voltage or current changes over time, as a graph on a screen, which helps engineers and technicians study electronic signals.
Is oscilloscope the same as oscillograph?
Oscillograph is a recognised synonym for oscilloscope, referring to the same kind of instrument.
Can an oscilloscope show more than one signal at once?
Yes, many oscilloscopes display several voltages or currents at the same time on the same screen, which is useful for comparing signals.
