noun

oscilloscope

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Oscilloscope (noun) means an instrument that displays a visual graph of one or more changing voltages or currents on a screen. Example: “The technician connected the probe to check the signal on the oscilloscope.”

noun

An instrument that displays a visual graph of one or more changing voltages or currents on a screen.

"The technician connected the probe to check the signal on the oscilloscope."

"Oscilloscopes let engineers see exactly how a voltage changes over time."

"We used two channels on the oscilloscope to compare the input and output signals."

How to use oscilloscope

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is the instrument that draws a picture of a changing electrical signal so you can see its shape.

When to use it

It is a technical term mostly used in electronics and physics rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Break it into its parts, oscillo- for oscillation and -scope for viewing, to remember what the device does.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

digital oscilloscope connect an oscilloscope oscilloscope screen read an oscilloscope

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Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “oscilloscope” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The technician connected the probe to check the signal on the _____.

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.

Origin: Neo-Latin/Greek combining forms

Synonyms

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oscillograph CRO scope

Related words

range reach scale setting background extent aim scope

Rhymes for oscilloscope

ope pope mope rope dope hope lope nope cope trope slope grope

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of oscilloscope?

"oscilloscope" (noun) means an instrument that displays a visual graph of one or more changing voltages or currents on a screen.

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