Oscillator Meaning and Definition
Oscillator
Pronunciation
/ˈɒskəleɪtər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A device or circuit that produces a recurring waveform or signal, often used in electronics and electrical engineering to generate, modify, or control signals.
Examples
- The oscillator was used to generate a frequency signal for the communication system.
- The engineer designed an oscillator circuit to stabilize the power supply.
Synonyms
- Vibrator
- Generator
- Amplifier
Antonyms
- Static
- Noise
Etymology
The word “Oscillator” comes from the Latin “oscillare,” meaning “to swing or oscillate,” and was first used in the mid-19th century to describe a mechanical device that produces a swinging motion.
Usage Notes
In technical contexts, the term “Oscillator” is often used to describe specific types of devices or circuits, such as audio oscillators or square wave oscillators. In everyday language, it is used to describe any device or process that produces a repetitive or rhythmic motion.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term “Oscillator” has appeared in various contexts, including science fiction and technology documentaries.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Oscillate” is often used as a verb to mean “to fluctuate or vacillate,” as in “The company’s stock prices oscillated wildly in the months leading up to the financial crisis.”
Related Words or Phrases
Related terms include “vibration,” “resonance,” and “harmonic.”
Collocations
The term “Oscillator” is often collocated with words like “frequency,” “amplitude,” “phase,” and “signal.”
Frequency of Use
The term “Oscillator” is used relatively frequently in technical and scientific contexts, but less frequently in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word “Oscillator” include “Oscilator,” “Oscilateur,” and “Oscillator.”