verb
oscillate
Oscillate (verb) means to move repeatedly from side to side, often in a steady pattern.
verb
1
To move repeatedly from side to side, often in a steady pattern.
"By placing the 0.02μF capacitor on top of the whistle chip, the circuit oscillates at a lower frequency."
— , Snap Circuits Classic (2021)
"A pendulum oscillates slower as it gets longer."
2
To keep changing between different opinions or views.
"The mood for change oscillated from day to day."
3
To rise and fall repeatedly around an average level.
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Etymology
First attested in 1726; borrowed from Latin ōscillātus, perfect passive participle of Latin ōscillō (“to swing”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from ōscillum (“a swing”), usually identified with ōscillum (“a little face or mask hung on a tree that sways with the wind”), diminutive of ōs (“mouth, face”). See also osculate.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for oscillate
See all rhymes for oscillate →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of oscillate?
"oscillate" (verb) means to move repeatedly from side to side, often in a steady pattern.
What is another word for oscillate?
Other words for "oscillate" include vacillate, vibrate, hover.
What are the different meanings of oscillate?
"oscillate" has 3 main meanings: 1. To move repeatedly from side to side, often in a steady pattern; 2. To keep changing between different opinions or views; 3. To rise and fall repeatedly around an average level.
