vibration

vi·bra·tion

noun \vī-ˈbrā-shən\

Definition of VIBRATION

1

a : a periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium when that equilibrium has been disturbed (as when a stretched cord produces musical tones or molecules in the air transmit sounds to the ear) b : the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion: as (1) : oscillation (2) : a quivering or trembling motion : quiver

2

: an instance of vibration

3

: vacillation in opinion or action : wavering

4

a : a characteristic emanation, aura, or spirit that infuses or vitalizes someone or something and that can be instinctively sensed or experienced —often used in plural b : a distinctive usually emotional atmosphere capable of being sensed —usually used in plural

— vi·bra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— vi·bra·tion·less \-shən-ləs\ adjective

Examples of VIBRATION

1. trying to reduce engine vibration
2. <the vibration of the floor caused by thundering feet in the hallway>

First Known Use of VIBRATION

1635

Related to VIBRATION

Synonyms: jiggling, oscillation, quivering, shaking, shivering, shuddering, trembling, twitching

Related Words: juddering [chiefly British], quaking, rocking; jiggle, palpitation, quiver, shake, shiver, shudder, tremble, tremor, twitch

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with VIBRATION

aeration, Alsatian, carnation, castration, causation, cessation, cetacean, citation, Claymation, cognation, collation, conflation, C ration, creation, cremation, crenation, Croatian, crustacean, dalmatian, damnation, deflation, delation, dictation, dilation, donation, earth station, elation, Eurasian, filtration, fixation, flirtation, flotation, formation, foundation, frustration, gas station, gestation, gradation, gustation, guttation, gyration, hydration, inflation, lactation, legation, libation, location, lunation, lustration, luxation, migration, mutation, narration, negation, notation, oblation, oration, outstation, ovation, palmation, palpation, plantation, potation, predation, privation, probation, pronation, proration, prostration, pulsation, punctation, pupation, purgation, relation, rogation, rotation, salvation, sedation, sensation, serration, space station, stagflation, stagnation, starvation, striation, substation, summation, tarnation, taxation, temptation, translation, truncation, vacation, vexation, vocation, way station, workstation