oscillation

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tion ˌä-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the action or state of oscillating

stays can be effectively used to prevent oscillations in new bridges

—D. B. Steinman

2

: variation, fluctuation

famines due to excessive storminess and violent oscillations of rain and drought, heat and cold

—Ellsworth Huntington

3

: a flow of electricity changing periodically from a maximum to a minimum

especially : a flow periodically changing direction

4

: a single swing (as of an oscillating body) from one extreme limit to the other

Each oscillation of the pendulum represents one second.

oscillational

ˌä-sə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• change
• fluctuation
• flux
• inconstancy

Examples of oscillation in a Sentence

the continued oscillation of the fan

There has been oscillation between optimism and pessimism among voters.

Recent Examples on the Web

There are pre-set intervals of 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours, a quiet sleep setting, and up to 350-degree oscillation to keep you cool and breathing the best air possible. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 25 May 2024

The fan has a wide 85-degree oscillation angle and 24-degree tilt angle to keep the room cool from all directions. —Michelle Rostamian, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

oscillation

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tion ˌäs-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the action or state of oscillating : vibration

2

: variation sense 1, fluctuation

3

: a single swing (as of an oscillating body) from one extreme limit to the other

Medical Definition

oscillation

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tion ˌäs-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the action or state of oscillating

2

: a flow of electricity changing periodically from a maximum to a minimum

especially : a flow periodically changing direction