oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈä-sə-ˌlā-tər 

1

: one that oscillates

2

: a device for producing alternating current

especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

Examples of oscillator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bot is then hooked up to a device known as a pneumatic ring oscillator, which delivers a pulsating 2.25-bar (32.6-psi) air current into channels within the robot's body. —Ben Coxworth may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2025

Just a weird observation about the oscillator that is worth pointing out. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 May 2025

With sufficient photons, the cavity can act as an oscillator, with photons sloshing back and forth and creating interference patterns. —ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025

The market and oscillator continued to fall through March, with the Oscillator hitting a record low of minus 24.36% on March 18. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oscillator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər 

1

: one that oscillates

2

: a device for producing alternating current

especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

Medical Definition

oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər 

: a device or mechanism for producing or controlling oscillations

especially : one (as a radio-frequency generator) for producing an alternating current