Oscillation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌä-sə-ˈlā-shən/ os·cil·la·tion

Meaning & Definition of Oscillation

Oscillation (noun)

  1. the action or state of oscillating
  2. variation, fluctuation
  3. a flow of electricity changing periodically from a maximum to a minimum; especially, a flow periodically changing direction

Oscillation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another

    "fickle springtime weather in which there seemed to be an unceasing oscillation between unseasonable heat and unseasonable cold"

    similar: change, fluctuation, flux, inconstancy
    related: metamorphosis, mutation, transformation, transmogrification, transmutation, vacillation, wavering

  2. a series of slight movements by a body back and forth or from side to side

    "the precise oscillations of the quartz crystal that allows a quartz watch to keep such accurate time"

    similar: jiggling, quivering, shaking, shivering, shuddering, trembling, twitching, vibration
    related: juddering (chiefly British), quaking, rocking, jiggle, palpitation, quiver, shake, shiver, shudder, tremble, tremor, twitch

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Oscillation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Oscillation:

change, fluctuation, flux, inconstancy, jiggling, quivering, shaking, shivering, shuddering, trembling, twitching, vibration

Related Words for Oscillation

metamorphosis, mutation, transformation, transmogrification, transmutation, vacillation, wavering, juddering, quaking, rocking, jiggle, palpitation, quiver, shake, shiver, shudder, tremble, tremor, twitch

Word Forms of Oscillation

Derived words: oscillational (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Oscillation

First known use: 1658

Words & Phrases Containing Oscillation

Arctic Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, Southern Oscillation

Frequently Asked Questions about Oscillation

What does "Oscillation" mean?

"Oscillation" means the action or state of oscillating. As a noun, it is defined as: the action or state of oscillating. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Oscillation"?

Other words for "Oscillation" include change, fluctuation, flux, inconstancy, jiggling, quivering, shaking and shivering. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Oscillation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Oscillation"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Oscillation". Common alternatives include change, fluctuation, flux, inconstancy, jiggling, quivering, shaking, shivering, shuddering and trembling.

How do you use "Oscillation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Oscillation" in a sentence: "fickle springtime weather in which there seemed to be an unceasing oscillation between unseasonable heat and unseasonable cold"; "the precise oscillations of the quartz crystal that allows a quartz watch to keep such accurate time".

Is "Oscillation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Oscillation" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Oscillation"?

"Oscillation" is pronounced /ˌä-sə-ˈlā-shən/ and divided into syllables as os·cil·la·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Oscillation"?

First known use: 1658.

What is another word for "Oscillation" meaning "the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another"?

When "Oscillation" (noun) means the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another, synonyms include change, fluctuation, flux and inconstancy.